When the Denver Nuggets take the court next season, fans will notice a significant change in Aaron Gordon's jersey number. The high-flying forward, known for his athletic dunks and solid play, has decided to switch from number 50 to 32. However, this change isn’t arbitrary; it’s a heartfelt tribute to his late brother, Drew Gordon, who tragically passed away in a car accident in May.
Drew Gordon, a standout basketball player in his own right, wore the number 32 during his college basketball career at the University of New Mexico. Aaron’s decision to don the same number is a powerful homage to the brother who played an integral role in his life, both on and off the court. This gesture is part of a broader set of tributes Aaron has planned to honor Drew's memory.
"Big bruh lives through me," Aaron wrote on Instagram on June 6, expressing the emotional weight that this number change carries for him. The sentiment extends beyond just the jersey; Aaron has also tattooed Drew's initials, "DG," on his chest, a permanent reminder of his sibling's enduring influence.
Drew Gordon left an indelible mark on the college basketball scene. As a junior and senior at the University of New Mexico, he averaged 13.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per game, earning All-Mountain West Conference honors in both seasons. His standout performance was a key driver for his team’s success, culminating in him being named the Mountain West Conference tournament MVP during his senior year.
Following his college career, Drew Gordon pursued a professional basketball career overseas, enjoying notable success. He played for Partizan Belgrade in Serbia, where he continued to wear the number 32, and went on to win the Italian Cup with Dinamo Sassari in 2014. His international accolades include being named a basketball All-Star in France in 2016 and in Russia in 2018. Drew even had a brief stint in the NBA, playing nine games with the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2014-15 season, adding to his diverse and well-rounded career.
For Aaron, who wore number 00 during his seven seasons with the Orlando Magic, and then switched to number 50 after joining the Denver Nuggets, the upcoming shift to 32 represents more than just a jersey number. It's a symbol of family and remembrance, threading his professional accomplishments with personal sentiment. Aaron's career has been illustrious in its own right, and he recently added an NBA championship with the Denver Nuggets to his resume.
Drew Gordon, who announced his retirement from professional basketball in July 2023, had a career marked by resilience and impressive feats. His legacy continues through Aaron, not just in the numerical symbolism but in the drive and passion for the game that both brothers shared.
The upcoming season will be an emotional one for Aaron Gordon, but also an inspiring testament to the bond between brothers. As Nuggets fans cheer for Aaron, they are also celebrating the memory of Drew, whose spirit will be present on the court every game. This emotional tribute underscores the deeply personal dimensions of sports, where jersey numbers can tell stories of love, loss, and legacy.