Why Bulls' Caruso was rejected to change Jersey No. 6

Former Los Angeles Lakers player Alex Caruso stated at a press conference on Chicago Bulls media day that he considered changing his jersey number during this offseason.

Caruso wears jersey no. 6, which became the first number retired across the NBA to honor the life and legacy of Bill Russell. However, players currently wearing the number are allowed to keep it if they desire to.

Caruso wanted to change his number but wasn't allowed by the NBA because he is in the "top 75 of jersey sales".

Caruso said: "Obviously I want to do nothing but honor him and his legacy and what he stood for. He’s one of the pioneers — a racial advocate for the game of basketball in general and just an all around great person. He is considering to try again by changing his jersey number in the next offseason.

The decision by the NBA received a lot of hate on social media. Do you think the critics are justified?