Aaron Gordon's Jersey Number Change Honors Late Brother
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon will be sporting a new jersey number next season, swapping his number 50 for 32. The change is deeply personal, serving as a tribute to his late brother, Drew Gordon, who tragically passed away in a car accident this past May.
Drew Gordon's legacy in basketball is significant, having worn the number 32 during his college career at the University of New Mexico. His junior and senior years were marked by impressive averages of 13.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per game, earning him All-Mountain West Conference honors in both seasons. He was also named the Mountain West Conference tournament MVP in his senior year, underscoring his impactful presence on the court.
The connection between the Gordon brothers runs deep, not only in jersey numbers but also in ink. Aaron has recently debuted a new chest tattoo featuring Drew's initials, "DG." This visual tribute complements his decision to honor Drew’s memory on the court, where his brother’s spirit will "live through him," as Aaron poignantly shared on Instagram this past June.
Drew’s professional career took him around the globe, showcasing his talents in various prominent leagues. He played in Serbia for the Euroleague team Partizan Belgrade, donning the number 32. His career highlights include being an Italian Cup winner with Dinamo Sassari in 2014, a basketball All-Star in France in 2016, and earning All-Star status in Russia in 2018. Drew also had a brief stint in the NBA, playing nine games for the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2014-15 season.
Now, as Aaron prepares for a new season with the Nuggets, the number 32 will carry the weight of his brother’s legacy and achievements. It’s a poignant shift from the numbers he has worn previously in his career—number 00 during his seven seasons with the Orlando Magic, and subsequently number 50 upon joining the Nuggets. The number 50 was notably symbolic as well, representing the perfect scores he achieved in the Slam Dunk Contests.
Aaron’s decision to honor his brother in this way speaks volumes about their bond and the impact Drew had on his life, both personally and professionally. The change comes as Aaron embraces a new chapter with the Denver Nuggets, carrying with him the memory and spirit of his brother. The Nuggets, already rejoicing in their NBA championship with Aaron in the fold, will witness this new layer of depth and inspiration in his game.
Drew’s influence and achievements in basketball were vast, spanning multiple countries and earning accolades at various levels of the sport. His retirement from professional basketball was announced in July 2023, closing a significant chapter in a career filled with hard work and success. Aaron’s gesture immortalizes Drew’s contributions to the sport and provides a constant reminder of his enduring presence.
“Big bruh lives through me,” Aaron posted on Instagram, a succinct yet powerful testament to the enduring bond between the brothers. As the Nuggets gear up for the next season, fans will undoubtedly be moved by Aaron’s heartfelt tribute, providing an emotional and inspiring story for the team and its supporters. This new jersey number not only symbolizes a fresh start but also honors a legacy that will never be forgotten.