Aaron Gordon Honors Late Brother in Heartfelt Tribute With Jersey Number Change
In a heartfelt tribute to his late brother Drew, Denver Nuggets star Aaron Gordon is set to change his jersey number from 50 to 32 next season. This emotional decision aims to honor Drew Gordon, who tragically passed away in a car accident in May.
For Aaron Gordon, this change is more than a simple numerical tweak—it’s a deeply personal homage. Drew Gordon had worn the number 32 during his collegiate basketball career at the University of New Mexico, where he left a significant mark on the court. Averaging 13.4 points and 10.8 rebounds as a junior and senior, Drew was a force to be reckoned with. His stellar performance earned him All-Mountain West Conference honors in both his junior and senior seasons, as well as the title of Mountain West Conference tournament MVP during his senior year. “Big bruh lives through me,” Aaron shared on Instagram on June 6, underlining the meaningful bond the two brothers shared.
Beyond his collegiate achievements, Drew Gordon enjoyed a successful professional career. He played in Europe for several prominent teams, including Serbia's Partizan Belgrade, where he also donned the number 32. His achievements spanned multiple countries and leagues; he was an Italian Cup winner with Dinamo Sassari in 2014, a basketball All-Star in France in 2016, and a recognized All-Star in Russia in 2018. Additionally, Drew had a brief stint in the NBA, playing nine games for the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2014-15 season. Drew announced his retirement from professional basketball in July 2023, further marking the end of a noteworthy career.
Aaron Gordon’s decision to switch to jersey number 32 comes with the weight of both memory and tribute. It’s a stark departure from his previous numbers. During his seven seasons with the Orlando Magic, he wore 00. After joining the Denver Nuggets, he adopted the number 50, which many fans associated with him during his Dunk Contest performances. However, Aaron's move to 32 signifies a more profound personal chapter in his life.
To further commemorate his brother, Aaron Gordon has also chosen to immortalize Drew’s memory through a new chest tattoo bearing Drew's initials, "DG." This inked tribute is a constant reminder of the brother who inspired him both on and off the court.
Aaron Gordon, an NBA champion with the Nuggets, is recognizing his brother’s enduring influence not just in his career but in his life as a whole. The change to 32 is expected to resonate deeply with fans and the basketball community, serving as an ever-present homage to Drew Gordon's legacy.
As Aaron Gordon prepares to take the court next season with this new emblem of family and memory, it’s a poignant reminder of the often untold personal stories that athletes carry with them. This jersey change is more than just a shift in numbers; it's a testament to brotherly love, respect, and an everlasting bond that transcends the boundaries of life and death.