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The number 23 jersey is one of the most iconic in NBA history, with Michael Jordan's illustrious career making the number famous. Jordan wore the number 23 jersey throughout his career, except for his return from retirement in 1995 when he wore 45, and on February 14, 1990, when he wore number 12 after his jersey was stolen. Jordan's success, including six NBA titles and five regular-season MVPs, has made the number synonymous with greatness. Other notable players to wear the number include LeBron James, Jimmy Butler, Ron Artest, Lou Hudson, and Anthony Davis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most iconic player to wear the number 23 | Michael Jordan |
| Other notable players who wore the number 23 | LeBron James, Jimmy Butler, Alex English, Anthony Davis, Ron Artest, Lou Hudson, Mullins |
| Number of players who have worn the number 23 in NBA history | 237 |
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What You'll Learn
Michael Jordan
Jordan's association with the number 23 began during his freshman year at Laney High School when his older brother, Larry, a senior on the team, allowed him to try out for the team. Jordan was initially cut from the team, but his persistence paid off, and he earned a spot on the junior varsity squad. Jordan quickly established himself as a rising star, and by the time he reached the varsity level, he had already claimed the number 23 jersey, which he would go on to wear throughout his illustrious career.
Jordan's choice of the number 23 holds a special significance. In an exclusive interview with the producers of NBA 2K14, Jordan revealed that the number had become so famous because it was a number he could relate to. He explained that when he first started playing basketball, he was very young and small, and the number 23 represented something small. Additionally, Jordan's father, James Jordan, passed away when Jordan was only a young boy, and he honoured his father by wearing the number 23 as a reminder of the special bond they shared.
Beyond Jordan, other notable players have also donned the number 23 jersey, adding to its rich history in basketball. LeBron James has worn the number 23 during his illustrious career with the Cleveland Cavaliers and LA Lakers, further enhancing the greatness associated with the number. Additionally, players such as Alex English, Jimmy Butler, Devin Brown, J.R. Smith, Metta Sandiford-Artest (formerly known as Ron Artest), Lou Williams, and Anthony Davis have all worn the number 23 during their NBA careers, with varying levels of success and impact on the league.
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LeBron James
James is in esteemed company when it comes to the number 23, with the jersey most famously associated with Michael Jordan, whose illustrious career cemented its iconic status. Jordan wore number 23 for 1054 out of his 1072 regular-season games, winning six NBA titles, six Finals MVPs, and five regular-season MVPs. Jordan's exceptional career undoubtedly contributed to the number 23 becoming one of the most famous in all of sports.
In addition to James and Jordan, other notable players have contributed to the legacy of the number 23. Jimmy Butler, a likely future Hall of Fame member, wore number 23 during his stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers. Additionally, Ron Artest, who later changed his name to Metta World Peace, wore number 23 during the early portion of his career, including his only All-Star appearance with the Indiana Pacers.
The number 23 jersey in basketball carries a rich history, and LeBron James has undoubtedly played a significant role in adding to its greatness. His achievements and impact on the game have further enhanced the prestige associated with the number, solidifying its place in basketball lore.
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Draymond Green
Draymond Jamal Green, born on March 4, 1990, is an American professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He has worn the number 23 jersey since the start of his career in 2012 and is likely to be the last Warriors player to wear that number.
Green grew up in Saginaw, Michigan, and played basketball for Saginaw High School, leading the Saginaw High Trojans to a 27-1 record and a No. 4 national ranking by USA Today in his senior year. He then went on to play college basketball for the Michigan State Spartans, helping them earn two Final Four appearances and a Big Ten tournament championship in 2012. During his college career, Green earned several honours, including Big Ten Conference Sixth Man of the Year as a sophomore and NABC National Player of the Year as a senior.
Green was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 2012 and has since become an integral part of the team. He is known for his versatility, capable of playing and defending multiple positions, and is considered one of the best passers and defensive players of the 2010s. Green has won three NBA championships with the Warriors between 2015 and 2018 and is a four-time NBA All-Star. He was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2017 and has led the league in steals the same year. In addition to his success in the NBA, Green has also won two Olympic gold medals.
Off the court, Green started his own podcast, The Draymond Green Show, in November 2021. He also signed a multiyear deal with Turner Sports in January 2022 to work as an analyst and contributor. Green has been vocal about his admiration for other players, such as Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers, who he praised for his underrated handle and playmaking abilities.
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Ron Artest
Metta Sandiford-Artest, born Ronald William Artest Jr., is an American former professional basketball player. He played 19 seasons in the NBA, wearing the number 23 jersey for the Indiana Pacers.
Artest played college basketball for the St. John's Red Storm and was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the 1999 NBA draft. In 2001, he signed with the Indiana Pacers, where he won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award and was named an NBA All-Star in 2004. During his time with the Pacers, he wore three different jersey numbers: 15, 23, and 91.
Artest was at the center of a notorious altercation between players and fans during a game against the Detroit Pistons in Auburn Hills, Michigan, on November 19, 2004. Following this incident, he was traded to the Sacramento Kings in the 2005-06 season. Despite concerns about his abrasive personality, Artest excelled with the Kings, helping the team reach the playoffs. He wore jersey number 93 during his time with the Kings.
In 2008-09, Artest played for the Houston Rockets, and in 2009, he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers. He helped the Lakers win the NBA championship in 2010. Artest played under various names throughout his career, including his birth name, Ron Artest, and Metta World Peace, before legally changing his name to Metta Sandiford-Artest.
In addition to his basketball career, Artest pursued other endeavours such as coaching and media projects. In the 2017-18 season, he served as a player development coach for the South Bay Lakers, the Los Angeles Lakers' G League affiliate. He also played 3x3 basketball under the name Ron Artest at the request of league co-founder Ice Cube. Artest ventured into reality television with his show, "They Call Me Crazy," and was honoured with an art exhibition in Toronto, Canada, titled "Lovable Badass," showcasing works inspired by his athletic career.
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Lou Hudson
Hudson was born in Greensboro, North Carolina, on July 11, 1944, and attended the University of Minnesota, where he was a standout basketball player. He was drafted by the St. Louis Hawks with the 4th overall pick in the 1966 NBA Draft. In his rookie season, he averaged a team-leading 18.4 points, along with 5.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team.
Hudson moved with the team to Atlanta in 1968 and was a key player for the Hawks during their first season in the city, scoring the first-ever basket for the Atlanta Hawks. He averaged 21.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists that season and made his first NBA All-Star team in 1969. Hudson went on to average at least 20 points per game in seven of his thirteen seasons with the Hawks, including five consecutive seasons of averaging at least 24 points per game. He was known for his smooth and effective jump shot, which earned him the nickname "Sweet Lou".
After retiring from the NBA, Hudson worked briefly as a radio announcer for the Atlanta Hawks and sold restaurant equipment in Atlanta. He later relocated to Park City, Utah, where he became a real estate investor and served on the city council in the early 1990s. Hudson is believed to have been the first African-American elected official in Utah, with his campaign slogan being "Sweet Lou for You." He also created a recreation basketball league in Park City, where he served as a coach for 20 years.
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Frequently asked questions
Michael Jordan is the most iconic player to wear the number 23 in basketball. Jordan wore the number throughout his entire NBA career, playing 1054 of his 1072 regular-season games with the number.
Yes, many other notable players wore the number 23. Some of the most notable include LeBron James, Jimmy Butler, Anthony Davis, Ron Artest, Lou Hudson, and Draymond Green.
Jordan played for the Chicago Bulls and the Washington Wizards.
Jordan won many awards throughout his career, including six NBA titles, six Finals MVPs, five regular-season MVPs, one Defensive Player of the Year award, 10 scoring titles, and three All-Star MVPs.
