Aaron Gordon is set to honor a deeply personal and poignant connection in the upcoming NBA season by changing his jersey number. The Denver Nuggets forward announced he will switch from number 50 to 32, a heartfelt tribute to his late brother, Drew Gordon, who passed away tragically in a car accident in May. This change is emblematic of a deep bond that transcends beyond the basketball court.
A Meaningful Tribute
Number 32 holds significant sentimental value for Aaron Gordon. It was the jersey number his brother Drew wore during his college basketball career at the University of New Mexico. Drew Gordon distinguished himself during his time there, averaging 13.4 points and 10.8 rebounds as a junior and senior. His prowess on the court earned him All-Mountain West Conference honors in both of those seasons, a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication. In his senior year, he was named the Mountain West Conference tournament MVP.
The decision to wear number 32 is both a tribute and a way to keep his brother's memory alive. Aaron Gordon has also inked a new chest tattoo bearing Drew's initials, "DG," symbolizing that "Big bruh lives through me," as he poignantly expressed on Instagram on June 6.
Legacy of Drew Gordon
Drew Gordon's basketball career extended well beyond his college days. He played professionally in Serbia for the Euroleague team Partizan Belgrade, proudly donning the number 32 jersey once more. His career reached notable peaks, with him winning the Italian Cup in 2014 with Dinamo Sassari. Drew's talent and charisma on the court earned him All-Star honors in France in 2016 and in Russia two years later. Additionally, he played nine games for the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2014-15 NBA season.
Despite his promising career, Drew Gordon decided to retire from professional basketball in July 2023. His retirement marked the end of a significant chapter in his life but also perhaps cemented his legacy in a way that's now carried forward by Aaron.
Aaron Gordon's Journey
Aaron Gordon’s own journey in professional basketball has been a showcase of resilience and growth. After spending seven seasons with the Orlando Magic wearing number 00, he switched to number 50 upon joining the Denver Nuggets. This number switch has been symbolic in more ways than one, especially with fitting into a new team dynamic and helping lead the Nuggets to an NBA championship.
The new season will see Aaron donning number 32, a jersey laden with emotional significance. This number change is not merely a superficial switch but a profound statement of familial love and remembrance.
With number 32 on his back, Aaron is poised to channel the spirit and vigor of his late brother into every game, adding another layer of meaning to his already stellar career. The heartfelt gesture resonates deeply, both with fans and within the broader basketball community, as it underscores the enduring bonds of family and the potent legacy left behind by Drew Gordon.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Aaron Gordon, not only for his performances on the court but for the poignant tribute that will serve as a constant reminder of Drew’s enduring legacy. The Denver Nuggets, alongside their supporters, will undoubtedly rally behind him, reinforcing the sentiment that in sports, as in life, one's influence can extend well beyond personal achievements, inspiring and uplifting those around them.