Denver, CO - Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon has announced a poignant change ahead of next NBA season. Gordon will be swapping his jersey number from 50 to 32, a heartfelt tribute to his late brother, Drew Gordon.
A Tribute to Drew Gordon
The decision to don the number 32 carries deep personal significance for Aaron. Drew Gordon, Aaron's older brother, tragically passed away in a car accident this past May. Drew's basketball journey saw him make a name for himself at the University of New Mexico, where he wore number 32 and left an indelible mark on the program.
Drew's collegiate career was distinguished by his high-level performance. As a junior, he averaged 13.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per game, numbers that earned him All-Mountain West Conference honors. His senior season saw him capture the MVP honors at the Mountain West Conference tournament, a fitting capstone to his standout college career.
From College Glory to Global Success
Drew Gordon's basketball journey didn't end with college. He pursued a professional career that took him around the world. Drew starred in the Euroleague with the Serbian team Partizan Belgrade, where he continued to wear the number 32. His notable achievements in Europe include winning the Italian Cup with Dinamo Sassari in 2014 and earning All-Star honors in France in 2016 and in Russia in 2018.
Drew even had a stint in the NBA, playing nine games for the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2014-15 season, a testament to his adaptability and skill at the highest levels of the game.
Aaron Gordon's Journey
Aaron Gordon’s own basketball path has seen its share of metamorphosis. Arriving in the NBA with the Orlando Magic, he wore the number 00 over seven seasons. His move to the Denver Nuggets saw him switching to number 50. This number was a nod to his many perfect score dunks in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. But now, wearing number 32 next season serves a much more profound purpose.
In an Instagram post on June 6, Aaron expressed the emotional significance behind the change, saying, "Big bruh lives through me."
Commitment to Family
The emotional tribute to his brother goes beyond the jersey number. Aaron has also gotten a new chest tattoo featuring Drew’s initials, "DG," a permanent symbol of his brother’s enduring influence and presence in his life.
In his tribute, Aaron Gordon isn't just aiming to honor his brother's memory but also to carry forward his legacy on the basketball court. The jersey switch is a tangible manifestation of that commitment, a constant reminder every time he steps onto the court of the brother who inspired him and many others.
As Aaron Gordon gears up for the new season with the Denver Nuggets, he does so not only as an NBA champion but as a brother determined to keep Drew’s spirit alive in the game they both loved.
Drew Gordon announced his retirement from professional basketball in July 2023, closing a chapter filled with global achievements and milestones in the sport.
Aaron's dedication to his brother's memory encapsulates the powerful bond they shared, a story that transcends the stat sheets and resonates on a deeply human level within the world of sports.