Aaron Gordon, the Denver Nuggets forward known for his high-flying dunks and critical role in the team’s 2023 NBA Championship, has made a deeply personal decision for the upcoming 2024-2025 NBA season. Gordon, who has worn the number 50 since joining the Nuggets, will now don the number 32 in honor of his late brother, Drew Gordon, who tragically passed away in May 2024 in a car accident.
Drew Gordon was more than just Aaron’s older brother; he was a significant influence on Aaron’s life and basketball career. Drew was a basketball player himself, wearing the number 32 during his collegiate years at the University of New Mexico, where he made a name for himself as a tenacious rebounder and passionate player. Although Drew’s professional career did not reach the heights of his younger brother’s, he had a respectable journey, playing briefly in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers and spending several seasons overseas in various international leagues. Drew’s journey in basketball, marked by perseverance and dedication, was something Aaron deeply admired and sought to honor
Aaron Gordon’s decision to switch to number 32 is not just a tribute to his brother’s memory, but also a way to carry forward the legacy Drew left behind. The number 32, which Drew wore with pride and passion, symbolizes the bond between the two brothers—a bond forged through shared experiences on and off the court. By wearing this number, Aaron is making a public statement about the importance of family and the lasting impact his brother had on his life
This change in jersey number also marks a significant moment in Aaron’s career. When Gordon was traded to the Nuggets in 2020, he chose the number 50, a nod to the perfect score he felt he deserved in the 2020 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. That number became synonymous with Gordon’s identity on the court, particularly during the Nuggets’ 2023 championship run, where he played a key role as a versatile forward. Now, by choosing to leave behind the number 50, Aaron is embracing a new chapter in his life and career, one that is deeply intertwined with his brother’s memory
The tribute has resonated deeply within the basketball community and among Nuggets fans, who have come to regard Aaron as more than just a player, but as a beloved figure in the Denver sports landscape. His decision to honor his brother in this way has been seen as a powerful testament to his character and the values he holds dear. It’s a reminder that, for many athletes, the numbers they wear hold a significance that goes beyond the game—they are symbols of personal stories, memories, and the people who have shaped their lives.
As the 2024-2025 NBA season approaches, fans will not only be watching to see how the Nuggets defend their title but also how Aaron Gordon continues to honor his brother’s legacy on the court. The number 32 will now carry with it a story of love, loss, and the enduring bond between two brothers, making it much more than just a jersey number
