Kristian Ferrell
Basketball players have a number on their jerseys that helps their teammates, opponents, referees, and fans identify them. The NBA has specific guidelines regarding jersey numbers to ensure consistency and clarity during games. Numbers 0 and 00 are both valid jersey numbers in the NBA, with players like Damian Lillard (#0) and Russell Westbrook (#00) making these numbers iconic in recent years. However, since 2011, no player can wear 00 in FIBA-organized competitions for national teams, including the Olympic Games and World Cup. This restriction was lifted in 2014 when FIBA allowed any numbers with a maximum of two digits for national federations' competitions and transnational club competitions like the EuroLeague. So, is 00 a legal number in basketball?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is 00 a legal number in the NBA? | Yes |
| Is 00 a legal number in FIBA-organized competitions? | No |
| Is 00 a legal number in college basketball? | Yes |
| Is 0 a legal number in the NBA? | Yes |
| Is 0 a legal number in college basketball? | Yes |
| Is 00 a legal number in the NFL? | No |
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What You'll Learn
History of number 00 in basketball
The history of the number 00 in basketball is an interesting one. In the early decades of the sport, numbering in basketball was relatively unrestricted, with players choosing or accepting assigned numbers for various reasons. Over time, certain numbering rules were established by organizations like the NCAA and FIBA, which mandated the use of specific number ranges.
In the NBA, the number 00 has been a valid jersey number, with players like Robert Parish, the first player to wear 00, Carmelo Anthony, Johnny Moore, Benoit Benjamin, Aaron Gordon, and Rodions Kurucs all sporting this unique number. Moore wore 00 for eight seasons with the Spurs and one with the Nets, while Benjamin donned it across multiple teams from 1985 to 2000.
However, the use of 00 in basketball has evolved over time. Starting in 2011, players in FIBA-organized competitions for national teams, including the Olympic Games and World Cup, were restricted to wearing numbers from 4 to 15 due to the limitations of the digits in the human hand, which impacted referee signals. This restriction was later lifted with the implementation of video replay systems.
In 2014, FIBA rules changed again, allowing national federations to permit any numbers with a maximum of two digits for their competitions, a rule also adopted by the EuroLeague. FIBA extended this change to its own competitions in 2018, allowing players to wear any number from 1 to 99, as well as 0 and 00. Despite these changes, some organizations like USA Basketball continue to adhere to the pre-2018 FIBA numbering rules.
While the use of 00 in basketball has varied across different leagues and competitions, it has undoubtedly left its mark on the sport's history, with certain players making it their signature during their careers.
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Basketball players who wore 00
The number 00 holds a unique place in basketball, with several notable players having worn it. In the NBA, the number 00 was allowed until 2011, and during that time, it became synonymous with some of the game's greats.
One of the most famous wearers of the double-zero jersey is undoubtedly Wilt Chamberlain. Chamberlain was a dominant force in the NBA during the 1960s, setting numerous records and establishing himself as one of the greatest players of all time. His number 00 jersey has become an iconic symbol of his legacy.
Another legendary player who wore 00 is Robert Parish. Parish played for four different teams during his long career, most notably the Boston Celtics, with whom he won three NBA championships. Known for his defensive prowess and rebounding abilities, Parish was a four-time NBA All-Star and was named to the NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team.
More recently, in the early 2000s, NBA player Jamal Magloire wore the number 00 jersey. Magloire played for several teams, including the Charlotte Hornets and the Milwaukee Bucks, and was known for his strong defensive and rebounding skills.
Outside of the NBA, the number 00 has also been worn by college basketball players. Kentucky's Marcus Lee, for example, wore 00 during his college career.
While the number 00 may no longer be allowed in the NBA or FIBA-organized competitions, it remains a memorable number associated with some of basketball's all-time greats.
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Rules for jersey numbers in the NBA
The NBA has specific guidelines regarding jersey numbers to ensure consistency and clarity during games. While the NBA allows players to wear any number they want, there are a few exceptions and traditions to follow.
Numbers 0 and 00
These are both valid jersey numbers in the NBA. Players like Damian Lillard (#0) and Russell Westbrook (#00) have made these numbers iconic in recent years.
Numbers 1-5
Traditionally, these numbers are reserved for guards or players who primarily handle the ball. Think of point guards like Chris Paul (#3) or shooting guards like James Harden (#13).
Numbers 6-10
These numbers are typically worn by small forwards or swingmen who can play multiple positions. LeBron James famously donned #6 with the Miami Heat before returning to his #23 with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Numbers 69 and above
Players cannot wear numbers #69 and above due to potential concerns over inappropriate or offensive associations.
Number 0 combined with any other digit
To avoid confusion, players cannot wear numbers like 04 or 09, where zero is used alongside another digit.
Numbers with three or more digits
The NBA does not allow three-digit numbers on jerseys. This rule aims to maintain clarity on the court and prevent any confusion during play.
Numbers with cultural significance
In some cultures, certain numbers are considered lucky or unlucky. For example, #4 in China is considered extremely unlucky as it resembles the word "death".
Numbers with personal significance
Players may choose a number representing their birth date or age, such as Penny Hardaway's #1 or Kevin Garnett's former #21. It could also be a tribute to a family member or mentor, like LeBron James initially wearing #23 as a tribute to his childhood idol, Michael Jordan.
Retired numbers
When a team retires a number, it stops using the shirt number of a former player as a way to show respect for them. For example, the New York Yankees retired Lou Gehrig's #4 in 1939.
Changing numbers during the season
Players cannot change numbers mid-season. However, they can change their number during the off-season with the NBA's permission.
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Choosing a jersey number
The number you choose to wear on your basketball jersey is a very personal decision. It can be a way to express yourself and your story, and it can hold great significance for you and your fans.
Firstly, it's important to know the rules. In the NBA, you can wear any number from 0 to 99, and even 00. The NCAA previously restricted numbers to single and double digits from 0 to 5, but as of the 2023-24 season, they have returned to allowing all numbers from 0 to 99. In FIBA-organized competitions, players can wear any number up to two digits, so 1 to 99, and also 0 and 00.
Now, how to choose your number? Well, you could pick a number that represents your birth date or age. For example, Penny Hardaway chose his number 1 jersey for this reason. Alternatively, you might want to pay tribute to a family member or mentor who has influenced your life. Some players choose a number that represents determination, strength or success, to remind themselves of the qualities they strive to embody on the court.
You might also consider choosing a number that is significant to you in some other way. For instance, you could choose a number that is considered lucky in your culture, or one that was worn by an athlete who inspires you. LeBron James initially wore the number 23 in tribute to his childhood idol, Michael Jordan.
Finally, it's worth bearing in mind that some numbers are more popular than others. For example, the number 0 is increasingly popular among college basketball players. And, of course, you will need to check that your chosen number is available and permitted in your league.
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Numbers no longer allowed in basketball
The numbering rules in basketball have changed over the years, with some numbers no longer allowed in the sport. Here is an overview of the numbers that have been prohibited in basketball at different levels and times:
Number 00
Number 00 is no longer allowed in the NFL, with players like Jim Otto and Ken Burrough, who wore it before the number standardization in 1973. In the NBA, 00 used to be a valid jersey number, with players like Greg Ostertag and Olden Polynice wearing it. However, starting in 2011, no player could wear 00 in FIBA-organized competitions, including the Olympic Games, World Cup, and Women's World Cup.
Numbers 6, 7, 8, and 9
In college basketball, single-digit players' numbers are officially recorded as having a leading zero. For example, a player wearing number 6 would be recorded as 06. However, the numbers 6, 7, 8, and 9 were not permitted as single digits or in double digits (e.g., 46 or 88) on NCAA basketball uniforms until the 2023-24 season. This rule has since been changed, and players are now allowed to wear numbers 0-99.
Numbers Higher than 99
In the NBA, players are not allowed to wear numbers higher than 99. This restriction is also present in college basketball, where players traditionally could only wear numbers from 0 to 5, including 00. However, this rule has been relaxed in recent years, and players can now wear any number from 0 to 99.
The choice of jersey numbers holds significant meaning for basketball players, who may choose numbers representing their birthdates, tributes to family or mentors, or symbolic values of determination, strength, or success. The iconic jersey numbers of basketball legends, such as Michael Jordan's 23 and Kobe Bryant's 8 and 24, have left an indelible mark on the sport's culture.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, 00 is a legal number in basketball. In the NBA, players can wear any number from 0 to 99, including 00. The NCAA also allows any number from 0 to 99 in both men's and women's basketball. However, USA Basketball continues to abide by the pre-2018 FIBA numbering rules, which do not allow 00.
The NBA has specific guidelines regarding jersey numbers to ensure consistency and clarity during games. Players can wear any number from 0 to 99, including 0 and 00. Numbers with more than two digits, such as 000, are not allowed.
Yes, in addition to the NBA and FIBA rules, certain competitions and leagues may have their own restrictions. For example, until 2014, players in FIBA-organized competitions for national teams, including the Olympic Games and World Cup, had to wear numbers from 4 to 15 due to the limitations of the digits in the human hand. Additionally, some jersey numbers may be retired by teams to honor former players, and current players would need to seek permission to use those numbers.
