Aaron Gordon to Honor Late Brother with Jersey Number Change
In a heartfelt tribute to his late brother, Aaron Gordon of the Denver Nuggets will don a new jersey number next season. Gordon is set to change his number from 50 to 32, a meaningful gesture that honors his brother Drew Gordon, who tragically passed away in a car accident in May.
Number 32 holds a special place in Aaron's heart, as it was the number Drew wore during his illustrious college basketball career at the University of New Mexico. Through this change, Aaron aims to keep Drew's legacy alive on the court. He encapsulated his emotions in an Instagram post, poignantly stating, "Big bruh lives through me."
Drew Gordon's Basketball Legacy
Drew Gordon left an indelible mark on the basketball world, especially during his tenure at the University of New Mexico. As a junior and senior, he averaged an impressive 13.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. These stellar performances earned him All-Mountain West Conference honors in both seasons, and he was named the Mountain West Conference tournament MVP during his senior year.
Drew's prowess on the court wasn't confined to his college days. He had a successful professional career, highlighted by stints with Euroleague team Partizan Belgrade, where he also wore number 32. Drew's talent and dedication brought him international recognition, including an Italian Cup victory in 2014 with Dinamo Sassari, and All-Star selections in France (2016) and Russia (2018).
A Journey in Professional Basketball
Outside of Europe, Drew Gordon made his mark in the NBA, playing nine games for the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2014-15 season. His influence and achievements on various international stages illustrated his versatile skill set and tenacious spirit, traits that his brother Aaron now carries forward through his own career.
Aaron Gordon's career trajectory has also been remarkable. Starting with the Orlando Magic, where he wore number 00 for seven seasons, Aaron switched to wearing number 50 after joining the Denver Nuggets. The number 50 became synonymous with his high-flying dunks and dynamic playstyle. His contributions were pivotal in propelling the Nuggets to an NBA championship.
A Personal Tribute
The decision to switch to number 32 is accompanied by another personal tribute: a new chest tattoo featuring Drew's initials, "DG." These tattoos, alongside the jersey number change, serve as permanent reminders of the bond the brothers shared and the inspiration Drew continues to provide Aaron.
Drew Gordon's varied and successful playing career was cut short by his untimely death, but his contributions to basketball survive him. Announcing his retirement from professional basketball in July 2023, Drew left behind a legacy of excellence and resilience – qualities that Aaron has embodied both on and off the court.
As Aaron Gordon steps onto the court next season wearing number 32, he'll be carrying not just the memory of Drew but also a legacy of skill, determination, and brotherly love. This new chapter in Aaron's career is a poignant reminder of the profound impact Drew had on those around him and the enduring spirit that continues to influence his younger brother.