In a deeply personal and emotional decision, Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon has announced he will change his jersey number from 50 to 32 for the upcoming NBA season. This move comes as a heartfelt tribute to his late brother, Drew Gordon, who tragically passed away in a car accident in Portland, Oregon, in May. Drew was 33 years old at the time of his death, leaving behind a legacy both on and off the basketball court.
Aaron Gordon will switch from wearing No. 50 to No. 32.
The number change will honor his late brother Drew Gordon who used to wear 32.
(h/t @EtienneCatalan) pic.twitter.com/4QoDG903fQ
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) August 26, 2024
For Aaron, the decision to switch numbers is more than just a gesture—it’s a way to keep his brother’s memory alive every time he steps onto the court. The number 32 holds significant meaning in the Gordon family, as it was the number Drew wore during his time at the University of New Mexico, where he made a name for himself as a standout basketball player.
Drew Gordon: A Basketball Journey Cut Short
Drew Gordon was not just Aaron’s older brother; he was also a professional basketball player with a promising career of his own. A top prospect out of California, Drew initially played for UCLA before transferring to New Mexico, where he continued to develop his game and wore the iconic number 32. His talent and hard work eventually led him to the NBA, where he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2014. Although his NBA stint was brief—playing just nine games—Drew’s basketball journey didn’t end there.
Drew found success overseas, where he played for several European teams, including Partizan Belgrade, Champagne Châlons-Reims, Zenit Saint Petersburg, and Lokomotiv Kuban. His professional career spanned 11 years, during which he earned the respect and admiration of fans and teammates alike.
On July 12, 2023, Drew took to social media to announce his retirement from professional basketball. In a heartfelt message posted on X (formerly Twitter), he expressed gratitude to his family, fans, and friends who supported him throughout his career. Sadly, just a few months later, his life was cut short in the tragic accident.
Aaron Gordon’s Tribute: A Tattoo and a New Number
The loss of Drew has clearly left a profound impact on Aaron, who has found various ways to honor his brother’s memory. Shortly after Drew’s passing, Aaron got a tattoo on his chest—a large, detailed image of a gorilla, symbolizing strength and resilience, with Drew’s initials “D” and “G” engraved on the left cheek. The tattoo covers much of Aaron’s left chest, serving as a permanent reminder of the bond he shared with his brother. Aaron captioned the Instagram post revealing the tattoo with the words, “Big bruh lives thru me,” followed by a black heart emoji, a poignant expression of his grief and love.
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Now, as the new NBA season approaches, Aaron’s decision to wear the number 32 is another way he’s choosing to keep Drew’s spirit alive. It’s a deeply personal choice, one that will resonate with anyone who has experienced loss. For Aaron, every game will be played with his brother’s memory close to his heart—both literally and figuratively.
A New Season, A New Chapter:
As Aaron Gordon prepares for his 11th year in the NBA, he does so with the weight of his brother’s legacy on his shoulders. The 2023 NBA champion, who played a crucial role in helping the Denver Nuggets secure their first-ever title, now has an additional motivation to excel. Wearing the number 32, Aaron will not only be representing himself but also his brother, who was an integral part of his life and his basketball journey.
This season, the NBA will see a different side of Aaron Gordon—a player fueled by the memory of a loved one, determined to honor his brother’s life through his performance on the court. The decision to change his jersey number may seem simple on the surface, but for Aaron, it’s a powerful statement about family, love, and the enduring impact of those we’ve lost.
Aaron Gordon’s decision to change his jersey number in memory of his brother Drew is a poignant reminder of the human stories that exist behind the athletes we see on the court. While the headlines often focus on wins, losses, and stats, it’s moments like these that remind us of the personal challenges and tragedies that players face off the court. Gordon’s tribute to his brother adds a layer of emotional depth to his journey in the NBA, and it will be interesting to see how this personal loss impacts his play in the upcoming season. In a league where players are often idolized for their physical abilities, it’s the stories of resilience, love, and personal loss that truly resonate with fans and make these athletes relatable.
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