Andrew Pace
Basketball players in the NBA have donned a variety of jersey numbers over the years, with certain numbers standing out as iconic. While the reasons behind number choices are often anecdotal, some numbers have proven more successful than others, thanks to the players who wore them. The most famous jersey number in NBA history is arguably #23, made iconic by Michael Jordan and later worn by LeBron James. Other notable numbers include #3, worn by Dwyane Wade, Allen Iverson, and Chris Paul; #32, worn by Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, and Charles Barkley; and #33, worn by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Larry Bird, and Earvin Magic Johnson. Some players have even worn numbers in the 70s, such as Luka Dončić's #77.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of jersey numbers | Help teammates, opponents, referees, and fans identify players |
| Number of digits in jersey numbers | Two |
| Range of jersey numbers | 00-99 |
| Excluded numbers | 69 |
| Numbers less common in the NBA | 6-9 |
| Numbers less common in college basketball | 6-9 |
| Numbers worn by NBA stars | 77, 23, 45, 8, 24 |
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What You'll Learn
Numbers above five
While it is uncommon for basketball players to wear jersey numbers above five, there are several reasons why some players choose to do so. One notable player who has a number above five is Luka Doncic, who wears the number 77. One reason players choose numbers above five is that they decide to keep the number they wore in college. In college basketball, players are not allowed to wear numbers above 55 due to rules set by the NCAA. Referees use two hands to indicate the jersey number of a player who has committed a foul, and higher numbers become difficult to signal with two hands.
The NBA does not restrict players to numbers below 55, and players can wear jersey numbers in the 70s or 80s. For instance, when Dennis Rodman's request to wear the number 69 was rejected due to its negative connotations, he chose to wear the number 70 instead. In the NBA, players can wear any number between 00 and 99, except for the number 69, which is not permitted due to its indecent connotations.
In college basketball, the numbers six through nine are also less common, as these numbers are indicated on the referee's hands when signalling a foul. This means that college basketball players are limited to wearing jersey numbers between 0 and 5, or they may choose a number in the 50s. This can be challenging for schools that have retired many jersey numbers, as it leaves fewer options for new players.
Some players may choose to wear a number above five when they enter the NBA, either because they want to keep their college number or because they prefer a higher number. While it is less common, it is not unheard of for players in the NBA to wear jersey numbers above five.
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Single-digit numbers
The restriction on single-digit numbers in college basketball has led to a scarcity of available numbers for players. This is especially true for colleges that have retired a lot of jersey numbers, such as Michigan State, which currently has nine retired numbers out of 37 options, and Duke, which has 13. This has resulted in critics calling for a change in the policy, arguing that scorers should be able to differentiate between similar numbers, such as 6 and 15 or 51.
While single-digit numbers are less common in the NBA due to players keeping their college numbers, they are not prohibited. In fact, single-digit numbers have been worn by some of the most iconic NBA players. For example, Kobe Bryant wore the number 8 for the first half of his career before switching to 24, and Michael Jordan wore 23 before coming out of retirement and changing to 45.
Despite the scarcity of single-digit numbers in college basketball and their relative rarity in the NBA, these numbers can still be highly sought-after. Single-digit numbers are often chosen by players who believe they will help accentuate their physique, such as Michigan State's Marvin Clark Jr., who requested a single-digit number but ended up wearing 0. Additionally, some players may choose single-digit numbers for sentimental reasons, such as birthdays or childhood idols.
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Double-digit numbers
In college basketball, there is a rule that prohibits players from wearing jerseys with the numbers 6, 7, 8, or 9. This is because officials use two hands to indicate the player's number when communicating fouls and other violations, and displaying numbers with two hands is easier when the number is higher. This rule has been criticised, as it is argued that scorers should be able to tell the difference between, for example, six and fifteen or fifty-one.
The NBA does not have the same restrictions on jersey numbers as college basketball, but numbers 6 through 9 are still less common. This is partly because players want to keep the number they had when they were in college. The NBA also does not allow the number 69 to be worn due to its indecent connotations. Players can wear jersey numbers in the 70s or 80s, and the highest number currently worn by an NBA player is 77, by Luka Doncic.
Jersey numbers are important to basketball players, and they often go to great lengths to keep them. Some players choose their number based on dates like birthdays, childhood idols, or they keep the same number they had in youth basketball. Changing jersey numbers usually takes place during the offseason or a lengthy break to allow time for merchandise updates and other logistics.
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Jersey number 23
Jersey numbers are worn by players to distinguish them from others wearing the same or similar uniforms. The numbers typically appear on the back of the jersey, accompanied by the player's surname. In basketball, a sport famous for its iconic jerseys and unique numbers, jersey numbers are chosen based on various factors, including team restrictions, superstitions, and personal preferences.
Another NBA superstar, LeBron James, has also been closely associated with the number 23. James initially chose this number as a tribute to his childhood idol, Michael Jordan, whom he referred to as a "God" and his main inspiration. James has worn number 23 for 14 of his 20 seasons in the NBA, achieving significant success, including three NBA World Championships and four NBA MVP awards.
Recently, LeBron James made headlines when he passed down the Lakers' number 23 jersey to newcomer Anthony Davis, who has worn the number 23 jersey for the majority of his career, achieving numerous accolades, including being an NBA All-Star and an Olympic gold medallist. James then switched back to jersey number 23 for the Los Angeles Lakers' upcoming season 'out of respect' for the late Bill Russell, an 11-time NBA champion and five-time NBA MVP.
While the number 23 holds a special significance due to its association with basketball legends, it is worth noting that different leagues and organisations worldwide may have unique rules and practices regarding jersey numbers.
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Jersey number 33
Jersey numbers in the NBA are not just identifiers; they are an integral part of a player's identity. The number 33 is associated with some of the greatest athletes across a wide range of sports. Millions of jerseys with the number 33 have been sold due to the popularity of the athletes who have worn this number.
Some of the most legendary basketball players to wear the number 33 jersey include Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Larry Bird, and Patrick Ewing. In the MLB, Hall of Famers Frank Robinson, Eddie Murray, and Mike Piazza also wore the number 33 jersey. Football and hockey are also well-represented with players like Tony Dorsett and Patrick Roy wearing the number 33 jersey in the NFL and NHL, respectively.
The number 33 has a rich history in the NBA, with some of the league's all-time greats choosing to don this number. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a Hall of Famer and one of the greatest basketball players of all time, wore the number 33 jersey throughout his career. Larry Bird, a 12-time NBA All-Star and 3-time MVP, also wore the number 33 jersey, solidifying its place in NBA history.
The popularity of the number 33 jersey extends beyond the NBA, with athletes in other sports also choosing to wear this number. In the MLB, Frank Robinson, Eddie Murray, and Mike Piazza are all Hall of Famers who wore the number 33. In the NFL, Tony Dorsett wore the number 33 jersey, while Patrick Roy represented the number in the NHL.
The choice of jersey number often holds a lot of importance for athletes, and they may go to great lengths to keep their preferred number. Some players choose numbers that hold special meanings, such as birthdays or childhood idols. For example, Giannis Antetokounmpo wears the number 34 because his parents were born in 1963 and 1964, respectively.
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Frequently asked questions
College basketball players are not allowed to wear numbers 6, 7, 8, or 9. Numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are fine. This is because officials use two hands to indicate the player who committed a foul, and displaying numbers higher than 5 would be difficult.
The NBA does not allow players to wear the number 69 due to its indecent connotations. Players can wear numbers in the 70s or 80s, so the numbers that NBA players can choose from are 00-99 (except 69).
Athletes are known to be superstitious, and jersey numbers are a part of this. Some players may avoid numbers higher than 5, while others may choose dates like birthdays or numbers that were special to their childhood idols.
