Kristian Ferrell
In the NBA, one of the greatest honours a basketball player can receive is to have their jersey number retired by their team. This tradition recognises that no other player from that franchise may wear the number again, as a tribute to the player who once represented it. While the NBA has retired jersey numbers, it is unclear whether jersey numbers are retired in USA Olympic basketball. However, certain jersey numbers are considered more prestigious than others, such as the number nine, which has been worn by Basketball Hall of Famers, including Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Jersey number retirement | Recognises that no other player from that franchise may wear the number again as a tribute to the player |
| Jersey number retirement in the NBA | Honouring key contributors, including players, coaches, fans, broadcasters, and announcers |
| Retired jersey numbers in USA Olympics basketball | None found |
| Jersey number 9 in USA Olympics basketball | Worn by Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade |
| Jersey number 10 in USA Olympics basketball | Worn by Kobe Bryant |
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What You'll Learn
Retired numbers in the NBA
One of the greatest honours a basketball player in the NBA can receive is to have their jersey number retired by their team. This means that no other player from that franchise may wear the number again, as a tribute to the player that once represented it. Over the years, multiple NBA teams have honoured players, coaches, executives, and broadcasters by retiring their jersey numbers. Teams usually display these numbers by hanging banners on the rafters inside their home arena.
As of April 2025, only the Los Angeles Clippers do not have any retired numbers. Two players have had their numbers retired by teams they did not play for, and only one player, Bill Russell, has had his number retired league-wide. Russell, a Boston Celtics legend, is the most decorated basketball champion in history, winning 11 NBA titles and five MVP awards. His number was retired by the Celtics in 1972 and then league-wide in 2022.
Other notable players who have had their numbers retired include Dennis Rodman, whose number 10 was retired by the Pistons, and whose number 91 appears in the Bulls' Ring of Honour; Oscar Robertson, whose number 14 was retired by the Kings, and whose number 1 was retired by the Bucks; and Jerry Sloan, whose number 4 was retired by the Bulls, and whose number 1,223 was retired by the Jazz, signifying his total victories as their coach.
There are 14 players who have had their jerseys retired by multiple franchises: Pete Maravich, Nate Thurmond, Bob Lanier, Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Earl Monroe, Clyde Drexler, Oscar Robertson, Moses Malone, Julius Erving, Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Dikembe Mutombo.
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The significance of the number nine
The number nine holds a special significance in USA Olympic basketball history. While the practice of retiring jersey numbers is not as prevalent in basketball as it is in other sports, such as baseball or hockey, there are indeed retired numbers in this sport. One of the most famous retired numbers in USA Olympic basketball is number nine, which belonged to the legendary player, Michael Jordan.
Jordan, widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, wore number 23 for the majority of his career in the National Basketball Association (NBA). However, when he made a brief comeback to the sport to play for the USA national team in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, he opted to wear number nine instead. This number choice was out of respect for his older brother, Larry Jordan, who had previously played for the USA national team and had worn that number.
Michael Jordan's involvement in the 1992 Olympic Games holds a significant place in basketball history. That year, the USA sent a star-studded team known as the "Dream Team" to compete, featuring some of the biggest names in the NBA at the time. This was the first Olympics to allow professional players, and the inclusion of Jordan, along with other icons like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, elevated the profile of the game internationally.
Jordan's choice to wear number nine during this historic event links that number forever with his legacy and impact on the sport. The Dream Team dominated the competition, winning the gold medal and capturing the world's imagination with their skill and talent. Jordan's performance during these Olympics further cemented his status as a global icon and one of the all-time greats.
The number nine, already carrying a special significance due to Jordan's brother, now also represents this pivotal moment in basketball history. It symbolizes the coming together of legendary players, the global appeal of the sport, and the unparalleled success of the Dream Team. Jordan's association with this number adds to its mystique and makes it one of the most recognizable and revered jersey numbers in USA Olympic basketball.
As such, the number nine holds a unique and important place in the history of USA Olympic basketball. While jersey number retirements are not a common tradition in basketball, the impact of Michael Jordan and the 1992 Dream Team ensures that number nine carries a special meaning that is widely recognized and respected within the sport.
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Michael Jordan's jersey number
The USA Basketball organization has indeed retired jersey numbers, and one of the most iconic numbers belongs to the legendary Michael Jordan. Jordan's famous #23 jersey was officially retired by USA Basketball in 2017 as a tribute to his remarkable career and impact on the sport. This honour solidifies Jordan's place in basketball history, not just for his achievements in the NBA but also for his contributions to USA Basketball on the international stage.
Michael Jordan first wore the number 23 jersey when he joined the USA Basketball team for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. This was his first appearance on the global basketball stage, and it set the tone for his entire career. Jordan helped lead the USA team to an incredible gold medal victory, showcasing his talent to the world. His performance in the Olympics boosted his reputation and set him on a path to becoming one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
The number 23 has become synonymous with Michael Jordan and his brand. It is iconic not just in basketball but in sports and popular culture as a whole. Jordan wore the number throughout his NBA career, and his success and fame turned it into a legendary number. His association with 23 went beyond the court, as it became a symbol of his winning mentality and competitive spirit, a mentality that inspired and continues to inspire athletes and fans worldwide.
During his time with the USA national team, Jordan's impact was significant. He helped the USA dominate the sport internationally and inspired future generations of players. Aside from the gold medal in 1984, Jordan also led the USA to another gold medal in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics as part of the legendary "Dream Team." This team, which included other all-time greats like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, is often considered the greatest basketball team ever assembled. Jordan's leadership and performance during this Olympics further solidified his legacy in international basketball.
The retirement of Michael Jordan's jersey number by USA Basketball is a testament to his extraordinary impact on the game. His influence extended beyond his on-court achievements, as he helped grow the sport globally and inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams. The number 23 will forever be associated with Michael Jordan, and its retirement ensures that his legacy will always have a special place in USA Basketball history.
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Kobe Bryant's jersey number
Kobe Bryant wore the numbers 8 and 24 during his career, both of which were retired by the Los Angeles Lakers. In fact, Bryant is the only player in NBA history to have two jersey numbers retired by the same team.
Bryant wore the number 8 for the first 10 seasons of his career, from 1996-97 to 2005-06. He chose this number because it was the sum of the digits in 143, which was the number he wore at an Adidas basketball camp. During this time, he won three NBA championship titles and appeared in eight All-Star games. He also scored 16,777 points.
Before the 2006-07 season, Bryant changed his number to 24, which was his first high school number at Lower Merion High School. He explained that the number 24 represented a more mature version of himself, as his physical attributes were not what they used to be, but his maturity had grown. During this second phase of his career, he won his final two NBA championship titles and appeared in ten All-Star games. He scored 16,866 points wearing the number 24 jersey.
Bryant's career in both the number 8 and 24 jerseys was so iconic that the Lakers decided no player in LA should ever wear either number again.
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Retired jersey numbers by multiple franchises
Retiring a jersey number is one of the greatest honours a basketball player in the NBA can receive. Retiring a player's number means that no other player from that franchise may wear the number again, recognising the player's greatness. While it is usually players who receive this honour, it can also be bestowed upon other significant figures within the franchise, such as coaches, executives, and broadcasters.
There are several players who have had their jerseys retired by multiple franchises. Wilt Chamberlain is one of only three players to have his jersey retired by three different teams: the Warriors, 76ers, and Lakers. The other two players with this distinction are Pete Maravich and Shaquille O'Neal. O'Neal had his number retired by the Orlando Magic, becoming the first player from that franchise to receive this honour.
Other players with jerseys retired by multiple franchises include:
- Michael Jordan (Bulls and Heat)
- Charles Barkley (76ers and Suns)
- Clyde Drexler (Trail Blazers and Rockets)
- Julius Erving (Nets and 76ers)
- Vince Carter (Raptors and Nets)
- Bob Lanier (Pistons and Bucks)
- Moses Malone (Rockets and 76ers)
- Earl Monroe (Knicks and Wizards)
- Dikembe Mutombo (Nuggets and Hawks)
In addition to these players, there are also a few notable cases of players who had their numbers retired by a single team in honour of their contributions. For example, Kobe Bryant's numbers 8 and 24 were retired by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017.
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Frequently asked questions
The number nine jersey is considered lucky and has been worn by Basketball Hall of Famers or future Hall of Famers over the last ten Olympics.
Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade are some of the notable players who have worn the number nine jersey.
Due to international rules at the time, players were mandated to wear a number between four and fifteen to make it easier for referees to communicate with hand signals.
Yes, Kobe Bryant wore the number ten jersey, and other notable retired numbers include Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's number 33 and Wilt Chamberlain's number 13.
