Aaron Gordon Honors Late Brother Drew with Jersey Number Change
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon will don a new jersey number next season, switching from 50 to 32 in a heartfelt tribute to his late brother, Drew Gordon. This change goes beyond numerology; it is a poignant homage to Drew, who passed away in a car accident in May.
Drew Gordon's Impact
Drew Gordon was a formidable presence on the basketball court, making waves during his college career at the University of New Mexico. He wore the number 32 jersey, averaging 13.4 points and 10.8 rebounds in his junior and senior years. His stellar performance earned him All-Mountain West Conference honors both seasons, and he was named the Mountain West Conference tournament MVP in his senior year.
Drew’s basketball journey wasn’t confined to U.S. college teams. He expanded his career internationally, playing professionally in Serbia for the Euroleague team Partizan Belgrade, where he continued to wear the symbolic number 32. Drew's skillset also made a mark in Italy, helping Dinamo Sassari secure the Italian Cup in 2014. His professional talents found recognition in France as a basketball All-Star in 2016 and in Russia in 2018. Drew also had a brief stint in the NBA, playing nine games for the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2014-15 season.
Emotional Tribute
In a display of brotherly love and respect, Aaron Gordon’s switch to number 32 is a powerful and personal decision. The jersey change is not the only tribute; Aaron has also commemorated Drew with a new chest tattoo featuring his brother’s initials, "DG."
"Big bruh lives through me," Aaron expressed in a heartfelt Instagram post on June 6. His words resonate deeply, revealing the emotional connection and enduring legacy Drew has left behind.
Aaron Gordon's Professional Journey
Aaron Gordon began his NBA career with the Orlando Magic, sporting the number 00 for seven seasons. After a trade brought him to the Denver Nuggets, he adopted the number 50, a choice reflecting his participation in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, where he received perfect scores of 50.
His tenure with the Nuggets has proven fruitful. Gordon played a crucial role in helping the team clinch an NBA Championship, adding a significant accolade to his professional achievements. Now, as he prepares for the next season, the number 32 will carry not only his ambitions but also the spirit and memories of his late brother.
Carrying Forward the Legacy
Aaron Gordon’s decision to switch to number 32 ensures that Drew Gordon’s legacy lives on every time Aaron steps onto the court. It’s a fitting tribute to a brother who significantly influenced his own path in basketball. Drew's career was marked not only by personal accolades but also by his impact on the teams he played for across various leagues and countries.
Family Support
Aaron’s gestures of remembrance are beautiful reflections of their strong familial bond. The decision to honor Drew’s memory through his jersey and tattoo underscores the depth of their relationship and the respect Aaron holds for his late brother’s life and career.
Drew Gordon’s retirement from professional basketball in July 2023 marked the end of a prolific career, but his influence continues through Aaron. The younger Gordon’s every game, every play, will now serve as a living tribute to Drew, further solidifying the bond that neither time nor tragedy can erase.
The Emotional Influence on Fans
Fans of Aaron Gordon and the Denver Nuggets will notice the significant change this coming season. For many, it will serve as a reminder of the personal stories and sacrifices that are often interwoven with professional athletes' careers. Drew Gordon's legacy, symbolized through Aaron's new jersey number, will undoubtedly resonate throughout the basketball community.
As Aaron Gordon steps onto the court wearing number 32, he carries with him not just a memory but a mission to honor his brother’s legacy. It’s a poignant narrative that adds emotional layers to the upcoming basketball season, promising both heartfelt moments and inspired performances from the Nuggets' forward.
The jersey change is more than a simple alteration—it's a testament to love, family, and the enduring influence of Drew Gordon's life and career on his beloved brother, Aaron.