Aaron Gordon Honors Late Brother with Jersey Number Change
In a deeply personal decision, Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon is set to swap his jersey number from 50 to 32 next season, honoring his late brother Drew Gordon. The emotional tribute reflects Aaron's strong bond with his brother, who passed away in a car accident in May.
Drew Gordon's influence on his younger brother's life and career is palpable. During his college basketball days at the University of New Mexico, Drew proudly wore the number 32, a digit that has now taken on even greater significance for Aaron. Aaron's heartfelt Instagram post—"Big bruh lives through me"—says it all about the depth of their relationship and the pain of Drew's loss.
A Touching Tribute
In addition to changing his jersey number, Aaron has etched Drew's memory permanently on his skin with a new chest tattoo featuring Drew's initials, "DG." This dual homage signifies both a visible and deeply personal connection that Aaron carries with him onto the court.
Drew's basketball career itself is a testament to his talent and dedication. He made a significant impact during his tenure at the University of New Mexico, averaging 13.4 points and 10.8 rebounds as a junior and senior. His consistent performance earned him All-Mountain West Conference honors in both seasons, and he was named the Mountain West Conference tournament MVP in his senior year.
Professional Path
After college, Drew took his talents overseas, playing professionally in Serbia for the Euroleague team Partizan Belgrade, where he again donned his beloved number 32. His international career was marked by notable achievements, including winning the Italian Cup in 2014 with Dinamo Sassari and being named a basketball All-Star in France in 2016 and in Russia in 2018.
Drew also had a brief stint in the NBA, appearing in nine games for the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2014-15 season. His professional journey came full circle when he announced his retirement from basketball in July 2023, just a few months before his tragic passing.
A New Era for Aaron Gordon
Aaron Gordon's decision to change his jersey number carries additional weight considering his own impressive basketball journey. He began his NBA career wearing the number 00 during his seven seasons with the Orlando Magic. Upon joining the Denver Nuggets, he switched to number 50, a number he has now outgrown as he steps into a new chapter of his life and career.
As an NBA champion with the Denver Nuggets, Aaron has already made his mark on the league. This gesture of changing his jersey number to honor Drew adds an emotional layer to his professional accomplishments. For Aaron, it is a way to keep his brother's spirit alive, both on and off the court.
The Denver Nuggets organization and fans are likely to embrace and support this meaningful change. It not only showcases Aaron's deep love for his brother but also highlights the powerful role family plays in the lives of professional athletes.
As Aaron Gordon steps onto the court next season wearing number 32, he will be carrying more than just a basketball legacy; he will be carrying the memory and spirit of his brother Drew. This poignant tribute ensures that Drew's impact on the game, and on Aaron's life, is never forgotten.