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Choosing a jersey number is a significant moment in a basketball player's career. While some players select their jersey number based on their favourite player from childhood, others choose to honour NBA legends or family members. Some players even select their jersey number because it was the one they wore throughout their basketball career, from high school to college. The jersey number of a legendary player can become synonymous with them, such as Kobe Bryant's number 8 jersey with the Lakers. Certain players can make certain numbers cool, and some jersey numbers are considered luckier than others. For example, the number 7 is considered a lucky number, and the number 13 is considered unlucky. Aside from superstition, some players select their jersey number as an act of activism. For instance, Dennis Rodman tried to wear the number 69, but the NBA opposed it, so he wore number 70 instead.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most popular since 2000 | 3 |
| Most popular since 2000 (runners-up) | 21, 5, 1 |
| Most successful | 3, 1, 23, 77, 0, 33, 32, 11, 17, 20 |
| Coolest looking | 99, 69, 7, 13 |
| Iconic | 8 (Kobe Lakers jersey) |
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What You'll Learn
The coolest jersey numbers
The "coolest" jersey number is a highly subjective topic in basketball, as some players might pick their jersey number out of a hat, while others might choose a number that has a special significance to them. That said, certain numbers are considered cooler than others due to their association with iconic players or their unique visual appearance. Here are some of the coolest jersey numbers in basketball:
Number 3
Number 3 is one of the most popular jersey numbers in the NBA, with players like Allen Iverson, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade, and Ben Wallace donning it. It has appeared in over 27,000 games since 2000 and is often associated with success and standout players.
Number 23
Number 23 is iconic in basketball, thanks to players like Michael Jordan and LeBron James. It is one of the most successful jersey numbers, with wearers of the number 23 jersey since 2012 averaging the fourth-highest PPG (points per game) across the NBA.
Number 77
While not as traditional as some other numbers, number 77 has gained attention in recent years due to Luka Dončić of the Dallas Mavericks. In the '18-'19 season, Dončić's debut year, the average PPG (points per game) for this number jumped from single digits to over 14. In the '22-'23 season, Dončić's PPG in the number 77 jersey was an impressive 32.4.
Number 11
Isiah Thomas and his iconic number 11 Pistons jersey are instantly recognizable to NBA fans. Thomas wore number 11 for his entire career, except for one game when his jersey was lost or stolen. The number 11 jersey has also been in the top ten jerseys for PPG for nine seasons since the '12-'13 season.
Number 17
John Havlicek, a 13-time All-Star and eight-time champion, is considered the best player to wear number 17. He wore this number for his entire NBA career, and his jersey has been rightfully retired for both the Celtics and the Buckeyes.
Number 99
Although less traditional, the number 99 jersey has been described as cool by some basketball fans. The unique combination of digits makes it stand out, and some players have chosen this number for its visual appeal.
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Jersey numbers with the highest PPG
While there may be no metric behind the rankings of jersey numbers, certain numbers are considered "cooler" than others, and some players have made these numbers iconic. Here is a list of jersey numbers with the highest PPG:
Number 77
Dallas Mavericks' Luka Dončić has made the number 77 jersey the top-scoring jersey in the NBA. In the years analysed before his debut in the 2018-2019 season, the average PPG scored by players wearing this number was below 10. However, Dončić's performance elevated this number to the top spot.
Number 23
LeBron James, widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, wore the number 23 jersey, which has seen great success. In the 2014-2015 season, James averaged 25.3 PPG, the third-highest in the league that season. The number 23 jersey has consistently performed well, with its wearers averaging 12.22 PPG collectively since 2012, the fourth-highest of all NBA jersey numbers.
Number 0
In recent years, the number 0 jersey has gained popularity, with players like Jason Tatum, Tyrese Maxey, Damian Lillard, Miles Bridges, and Tyrese Haliburton sporting it. In the 2018-2019 season, the number 0 jersey reached its highest average PPG of 15.32. In the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 seasons, it was the second-highest averaging jersey number, thanks to Lillard's impressive performances with the Portland Trailblazers.
Number 13
The number 13 jersey has consistently performed well, especially with the contributions of Paul George and James Harden. In the 2016-2017 season, Harden was the league's second-highest scorer while wearing this number. The jersey number 13 placed fifth in the league for PPG in the 2019-2020 season, with Harden again being the top-averaging player.
Number 3
The number 3 jersey has been worn by some of the best players in the NBA, including Allen Iverson, Chris Paul, and Dwyane Wade. Iverson, in particular, wore the number 3 jersey for most of his illustrious career. The number 3 jersey has appeared in over 27,000 games since 2000, leading the way in games played and topping the leaderboard in several categories.
Honourable Mentions
Other notable jersey numbers include number 35, worn by Kevin Durant, who averaged 12.20 PPG in the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 seasons, and number 8, made iconic by Kobe Bryant during his time with the Lakers. Additionally, numbers like 69 (worn by Dennis Rodman with the Dallas Mavericks), 99, and 7 (considered a lucky number) are considered "cool" by some basketball enthusiasts.
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Jersey numbers worn by the most iconic players
The jersey number chosen by basketball players often holds a special meaning. While some players pick their jersey numbers randomly or out of necessity, others select a number that holds personal significance or emulates one of their idols. Over the years, certain jersey numbers have become iconic due to the legendary players who wore them. Here are some of the most famous jersey numbers and the iconic players who wore them:
Number 3
The number 3 jersey has been popular among basketball players and is associated with sharpshooters known for their precision and accuracy. Several notable players have donned this number, including Allen Iverson, Chris Paul, and Dwyane Wade. Iverson wore the number 3 jersey for most of his illustrious career, and Wade chose this number in honour of the 'Holy Trinity' as a devoted Christian. Other standout players who wore number 3 include Steve Francis, Stephon Marbury, John Starks, and Gerald Wallace.
Number 23
Michael Jordan, widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, wore the number 23 jersey for the Chicago Bulls. The number became so iconic that the Miami Heat retired it out of respect for Jordan, even though he never played for their franchise. LeBron James, another legendary player, also chose to wear the number 23 jersey, inspired by Jordan.
Number 32
Shaquille O'Neal, whose jersey was retired by the Miami Heat in 2016, wore the number 32 jersey. Other iconic players who wore this number include Billy Cunningham, Julius Erving, Blake Griffin, Charles Barkley, Jason Kidd, and Jerry Lucas. During Griffin's time with the Clippers, his number 32 jersey was one of the highest-selling in the NBA.
Number 8
Kobe Bryant, a legend for the Los Angeles Lakers, wore the number 8 jersey for many years before switching to number 24. His number 8 jersey is considered iconic by many fans.
Number 1
While the number 1 jersey has been worn by many great players, Oscar Robertson is one of the most notable. This number symbolises leadership and being the best at one's craft.
These jersey numbers have become synonymous with some of the greatest players to grace the basketball court, and their legacies continue to inspire new generations of athletes and fans alike.
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Jersey numbers with the most blocks
Jersey numbers are not just numbers in the NBA. While some players might pick their jersey number randomly or out of necessity, others choose the number of their favourite player as a kid and keep it throughout their career.
The most popular jersey number in the NBA since 2000 is No. 3, appearing in over 27,000 games and donned by Hall of Famers Allen Iverson, Dwyane Wade, Ben Wallace, and Tracy McGrady. However, when it comes to blocks, No. 3 ranks second with 11,429 blocks, falling just short of No. 21, which has accumulated 12,105 blocks.
No. 21's success in blocks is attributed to players like Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, and Marcus Camby. Meanwhile, the No. 3 jersey's popularity is due to standout players like Steve Francis, Stephon Marbury, John Starks, and Gerald Wallace, with Iverson, Wade, and Chris Paul being the most notable.
While No. 1 is commonly associated with being the best and represents victory, it doesn't rank highly in blocks, with only 22,623. Another notable mention is No. 42, which has been worn by nine players who accumulated at least 50 win shares, including Greg Ballard, Elton Brand, and Jerry Stackhouse.
Some players have become iconic for their jersey numbers, such as Kobe Bryant with No. 8 on the Lakers, and O'Neal with No. 34 during his eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. Other notable jersey numbers include No. 13, worn by Hall of Famers Nash, Harden, and Chamberlain, and No. 45, worn by Rudy Tomjanovich, who averaged 20.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game and was selected for five All-Star Games.
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Jersey numbers with the most titles
Jersey numbers are not just numbers in the NBA. While some players might pick their jersey number randomly or out of necessity, others choose their favourite player's number or a number that is significant to them.
The most successful jersey numbers in the NBA are those that have been worn by the most legendary players, or those who have won the most titles. For example, the number 3 jersey has been worn by Allen Iverson, Chris Paul, and Dwyane Wade, all of whom are considered to be some of the greatest players in the history of the sport. The number 3 jersey has also been worn by 266 players, appearing in over 27,000 games, and has won 12 titles.
Jersey number 1 is commonly associated with being the best, and represents victory. However, it has been worn by fewer transcendent superstars, and has won 11 titles.
Other notable jersey numbers include number 6, worn by LeBron James during his four years with the Miami Heat, resulting in four Finals appearances and two titles. The number 30 jersey is also well-known, having been worn by Ben Wallace, who won the 2004-05 Eastern Conference title with the Detroit Pistons.
Some players have become iconic for their jersey numbers, such as Kobe Bryant, who wore number 8 for the Lakers.
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Frequently asked questions
The best jersey numbers in basketball are subjective and based on the players who wore them. Some of the most iconic jersey numbers include:
- #3: Worn by Allen Iverson, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade, and Tracy McGrady.
- #23: Worn by Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis.
- #11: Worn by Isiah Thomas, Klay Thompson, and Trae Young.
Other popular jersey numbers in basketball include:
- #1: Associated with being the best, this number has been worn by Oscar Robertson and Kyrie Irving.
- #77: Worn by Luka Dončić, this jersey number has seen a rise in popularity and success.
- #7: Considered a lucky number, this number has been worn by Jason Tatum and Damian Lillard.
Jersey numbers become iconic when they are associated with legendary players and their accomplishments. The number may also have a personal significance to the player, such as Dwyane Wade choosing #3 to represent the Holy Trinity as a devoted Christian.
