Aaron Gordon Honoring Late Brother with Jersey Number Change
Next NBA season, Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon will be donning a new jersey number, switching from 50 to 32. The change is a heartfelt tribute to his late brother, Drew Gordon, who tragically passed away in a car accident in May. Drew, a former basketball player himself, held jersey number 32 during his college career at the University of New Mexico and later in his professional career abroad.
The decision to switch numbers signifies more than just a numerical change for Aaron Gordon; it is a deeply personal homage to his brother and a means of keeping Drew's memory alive on the court. On June 6, Aaron took to Instagram to share his sentiments, writing, "Big bruh lives through me." This illustrates the profound impact Drew had on Aaron, both as a brother and an inspiration.
Furthermore, Aaron has inked a new chest tattoo featuring Drew's initials, “DG.” This tattoo serves as a permanent, physical reminder of his brother’s influence and presence, symbolizing the bond they shared through basketball and beyond.
Drew Gordon's Basketball Legacy
Drew Gordon was more than just Aaron's brother; he was a formidable basketball player whose career included significant achievements. At the University of New Mexico, Drew averaged an impressive 13.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per game during his junior and senior seasons. His consistent performance earned him All-Mountain West Conference honors in both years, and he was named the Mountain West Conference tournament MVP during his outstanding senior year.
Drew's talents extended beyond college basketball. He pursued a professional career in Europe, where he played for the Euroleague team Partizan Belgrade in Serbia, proudly wearing number 32, much like his college days. His career also saw him achieving noteworthy honors, such as winning the Italian Cup with Dinamo Sassari in 2014. Further accomplishments included being recognized as a basketball All-Star in France 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. Despite the brevity of his NBA career, his impact on international courts was significant and well-respected.
Aaron Gordon's Professional Journey
Aaron Gordon, too, has carved out a remarkable path in professional basketball. Prior to joining the Denver Nuggets, he spent seven seasons with the Orlando Magic, wearing the number 00 jersey. His athleticism and acrobatic dunking skills earned him widespread recognition and respect within the league.
In 2021, Aaron made the move to the Denver Nuggets and subsequently switched his jersey number to 50, a nod to his perfect scores in NBA Slam Dunk Contests. Since then, he has been an invaluable asset to the Nuggets, contributing to their team dynamic and success. Notably, Aaron played a crucial role in helping the Denver Nuggets secure an NBA Championship, adding a significant milestone to his professional career.
Honoring Drew's Memory
Drew Gordon retired from professional basketball in July 2023, marking the end of his eventful and accomplished career. Despite his passing, Drew's legacy and the memories he created continue to endure through his brother's tributes and their shared love for the game.
As Aaron Gordon steps onto the court next season in his new number 32 jersey, he'll carry with him the spirit and legacy of his late brother. The decision to make the switch is not just about honoring Drew's memory, but it also serves as a symbol of family, love, and the enduring bond between two brothers who shared an unbreakable connection through basketball. The jersey number 32 will stand as a powerful reminder of Drew's impact and the legacy he left behind, both on and off the court.
In doing so, Aaron reinforces the idea that while numbers on jerseys may change, the memories and inspirations behind them remain timeless and inviolable.