In a poignant tribute to his late brother, Aaron Gordon is set to change his jersey number from 50 to 32 next season for the Denver Nuggets. This significant change is a heartfelt homage to his brother, Drew Gordon, who tragically passed away in a car accident in May.
Drew Gordon left an indelible mark on the basketball world, notably wearing the number 32 during his college basketball career at the University of New Mexico. Drew's prowess on the court was evident as he averaged 13.4 points and 10.8 rebounds during his junior and senior seasons. His exceptional performance earned him All-Mountain West Conference honors in both years and the Mountain West Conference tournament MVP title during his senior year.
Aaron Gordon's decision to honor his brother through his jersey number is deeply personal and symbolic. Beyond the numerical tribute, Aaron has also memorialized Drew with a new chest tattoo featuring Drew's initials, "DG." This permanent mark serves as a constant reminder of the bond they shared and the legacy Drew left behind in the basketball community.
"Big bruh lives through me," Aaron expressed on Instagram, encapsulating the deep emotional connection he continues to feel for his brother.
Drew Gordon's Professional Accomplishments
Drew Gordon's basketball career extended beyond college, where he made significant contributions on international stages. He played professionally in Serbia for the Euroleague team Partizan Belgrade, donning the same number 32 jersey. His achievements didn't stop there; Drew was an Italian Cup winner in 2014 with Dinamo Sassari, a basketball All-Star in France in 2016, and again 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. His diverse and accomplished career came to a close recently, with Drew announcing his retirement from professional basketball in July 2023.
Aaron's Journey in the NBA
Aaron Gordon's own NBA journey has been marked by changes in jersey numbers, each symbolizing different chapters of his career. He initially wore number 00 during his seven productive seasons with the Orlando Magic. Upon joining the Denver Nuggets, Aaron switched to number 50, a number which became synonymous with his career in Denver, culminating in an NBA championship with the team.
The change to number 32 for the upcoming season adds another layer of depth to Aaron's professional narrative. It connects his achievements and drive on the court to his brother's memory, making every game a tribute to Drew's influence and impact.
The Gordon brothers' journey through basketball has been one of talent, resilience, and brotherhood. As Aaron continues to carve out his legacy in the NBA, Drew's memory and achievements remain a guiding force, symbolized not just through a number on a jersey, but through the enduring bond of family and love that transcends the game itself.
For the Denver Nuggets, Aaron Gordon's number change isn't just a personal tribute; it's a testament to the profound connections that shape athletes' lives and careers. As Nuggets fans look forward to next season, the sight of Aaron wearing number 32 will serve as a powerful reminder of Drew's enduring legacy and the strength of the Gordon family bond.