After winning the NBA championship in 2023, Denver Nuggets fans everywhere flocked to go buy #50 Aaron Gordon jerseys, who acted as one of the missing pieces to their championship roster. This upcoming year, they will now have the chance to buy a #32 Aaron Gordon jersey as well, after the team officially announced he will be switching jersey numbers for the 2024 season.
The number change was a beautiful tribute to honor his late brother and father of three, Drew Gordon, who gut-wrenchingly passed away earlier this year in a car accident. Drew was the older brother of Aaron and wore #32 in college when he played with the New Mexico Lobos. He was a tenacious rebounder in college and played with heart and an incredible motor, all of which he passed down to his younger brother, Aaron.
Drew went on to play 9 games in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers, 76 games in the G League, and 120 games across seas in Europe. He had recently announced his retirement from basketball in July, 2023, referencing this jersey number in his retirement message:
Thank you basketball for all that you have given me! I have given you my all over the years, I’m retiring on my jersey year. Thank you to all the fans, friends and family that have supported me along my journey!! Next chapter it is! Goodbye 32 hello 33
— drew gordon (@xtraGORDONary32) July 12, 2023
#32 is now more than just a number, it's AG's connection to his brother
Aaron will now carry on Drew’s legacy by wearing his brother’s #32 and has made it clear to the world that his big brother will live through him following his passing. A truly special tribute and powerful action, showcasing just how close the two were.
The last time a Nugget wore #32 was not long ago when fellow forward and long-time NBA veteran, Jeff Green, wore it in 2022-2023. Uncle Jeff has since moved onto the Houston Rockets, but if he was still in Denver, there is no doubt that he would have given up his jersey number to Gordon without hesitation.
The only other Nuggets jersey change that has been announced for the 2024-2025 season is that Hunter Tyson will switch from #4 to #5. This allows incoming veteran PG, Russell Westbrook, to take over the #4 that he wore in high school and with the Washington Wizards. Meanwhile, Gordon will have his eyes set on being the best #32 possible to honor his older brother. Rest in peace, Drew.