Aaron Gordon to Honor Late Brother with Jersey Number Change
As the Denver Nuggets prepare for the next NBA season, one change will undoubtedly carry a deep personal significance. Aaron Gordon, known for his high-flying dunks and robust defensive plays, has announced he will be changing his jersey number from 50 to 32. This alteration is more than a simple number switch—it’s a heartfelt homage to his late brother, Drew Gordon.
Gordon shared the news with his fans, explaining the emotional reason behind the decision. “Big bruh lives through me,” Aaron posted on Instagram on June 6. The number 32 holds a special place in both Aaron and Drew's lives, as Drew Gordon wore the number during his college basketball career at the University of New Mexico.
During his time at New Mexico, Drew Gordon made significant strides in basketball, averaging 13.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per game during his junior and senior seasons. His outstanding performances earned him All-Mountain West Conference honors in both years, and he was named the Mountain West Conference tournament MVP in his senior year. These accolades highlight the legacy Drew left behind, a legacy Aaron seeks to honor with this gesture.
Drew’s influence extended beyond his college years. He played professionally in Europe, including a stint with Partizan Belgrade in Serbia where he also wore the number 32. His professional career saw him achieving notable success, such as winning the Italian Cup with Dinamo Sassari in 2014, being named a basketball All-Star in France in 2016, and Russia in 2018. He even had a brief spell in the NBA, playing nine games for the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2014-15 season before announcing his retirement from professional basketball in July 2023.
For Aaron Gordon, the change to number 32 is not just a tribute on the court; it’s a heartfelt symbol of his brother’s enduring presence in his life. In addition to the jersey number change, Aaron has also commemorated Drew in another permanent way. He recently unveiled a new chest tattoo featuring Drew’s initials, "DG."
Throughout his career, Aaron has shown a deep connection to his family roots. He started his NBA journey wearing number 00 during his seven seasons with the Orlando Magic. After being traded to the Denver Nuggets, he switched to number 50, a nod to his numerous perfect 50 scores in NBA Dunk Contests. With this latest change to 32, Aaron continues to tell his story through his jersey numbers, adding another layer of personal significance to his professional journey.
The Denver Nuggets, whose roster includes reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, will surely support Gordon’s tribute to his brother. As an NBA champion with the Nuggets, Aaron has found a home where his talents and emotional ties can flourish equally. His decision to honor Drew with the number 32 will undoubtedly resonate with fans and fellow players alike, serving as a poignant reminder of the bond between the Gordon brothers.
In paying tribute to Drew, Aaron Gordon connects his professional achievements with his personal history. Drew’s legacy as a formidable player in college and professional basketball now finds new life in Aaron’s ongoing career. The upcoming season will not only showcase Aaron’s athletic prowess but also underscore the love and respect he holds for his brother, ensuring that Drew’s memory continues to inspire and impact the sport.