Andrew Pace
The number zero has become increasingly popular in basketball, with players choosing to wear it for a variety of reasons. In the NBA, 95 players have worn the number 0, and 36 have worn 00. While it is a popular choice, some argue that it is not a number at all, as it has no value and is simply a placeholder. However, in recent years, players have been drawn to the number zero for its distinctiveness and the idea of a new beginning.
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What You'll Learn
- The number zero is not a typical number, and it can represent a new beginning
- Zero is a unique number, and wearing it can make a player stand out
- Some players wear it because it's uncommon, and no one else does
- It can represent the number of people who can guard a player, i.e., none
- The number can represent how wide a player wants their fans' eyes to be when they play
The number zero is not a typical number, and it can represent a new beginning
The number zero is not a typical number. For centuries, philosophers and mathematicians have debated whether zero can be considered an actual number, given that it technically has no value and is primarily a placeholder. In sports, players wearing the number "0" or "00" are uncommon, and most teams will not assign these numbers.
However, in basketball, the number zero has become increasingly popular among players. In the NBA, 95 players have worn the number 0, and 36 have worn the number 00. The number is outlawed in the NFL and NHL, but it is allowed in the NBA.
Some players choose to wear the number zero because they believe it will help them stand out and distinguish themselves from other players. For example, Aaron Gordon, who wears 00, has said that he wants to "leave [his] own legacy with [his] own number" and that the double zero represents how wide he wants fans' eyes to be when they see him play.
Other players choose the number zero to represent a new beginning. As one player explains, "You go with zero when you've been through something and you are looking to get a new beginning. It helps you get going again. It helps you get the swag back." The number zero can symbolize a fresh start and a chance to rebuild and improve.
The number zero can also be seen as an abstract representation of a hoop, emphasizing the importance of passing and setting up plays in basketball.
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Zero is a unique number, and wearing it can make a player stand out
Zero is a unique number, and wearing it can make a basketball player stand out. It is not a typical number, and players who choose to wear it often have their own reasons for doing so. For some, it represents a new beginning or a fresh start, helping them to "get their swag back". For others, it is a way to distinguish themselves and make a statement.
Some players choose the number zero because they feel it will help them stand out on the court. Aaron Gordon, for example, wears zero because he wants to "leave [his] own legacy with [his] own number". He wants fans to be amazed when they see him play, and for their "eyes to be wide open". Gilbert Arenas wore zero because, he said, that's how many minutes people said he'd play. Another player, Lillard, chose zero to represent the letter O and his journey from Oakland, California, to Ogden, Utah, and then to Oregon.
The number zero is also a way for players to express themselves and their personalities. It can be a way to show that they are starting from scratch or that they are looking for a new beginning. This was the case for Avery Bradley, who started wearing zero in college because he felt he had to prove himself all over again. Similarly, Robert Parish wore zero in high school and college because they had run out of jerseys with numbers on them, so he had to start from zero.
Wearing zero can also be a way for players to make a statement about their skills or performance. One player, for example, wore zero because "that's how many people can guard me". This statement shows confidence and a belief in one's ability to dominate on the court.
Over the years, the number zero has become more popular in basketball, with more players choosing to wear it. While it used to be a unique choice, it is now becoming more common, with 105 wearers in NBA history, including 73 who first sported it this decade. This trend may be due to the influence of star players like Russell Westbrook, who made wearing zero cool, or because players want to stand out and express themselves in a unique way.
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Some players wear it because it's uncommon, and no one else does
The number zero is an uncommon choice for athletes, and this is precisely why some basketball players are drawn to it. The number is distinctive and allows players to stand out and leave their own legacy.
Shabazz Muhammad, for instance, initially chose the number because nobody else wore it, although he now wears 15. Aaron Gordon, who wears 00, has said that the number represents how wide he wants fans' eyes to be when they see him play. Similarly, Gilbert Arenas wore 0 because that's how many minutes people said he'd play, and he liked to prove people wrong.
Other players have chosen the number zero because it is not a normal number, and it represents a new beginning. As one player puts it: "You go with zero when you've been through something and you are looking to get a new beginning. It helps you get going again. It helps you get the swag back."
The number zero is also popular because it is associated with the letter O, which can represent a player's journey, as in the case of Damian Lillard, whose career has taken him from Oakland, California, to Ogden, Utah, and now to Oregon.
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It can represent the number of people who can guard a player, i.e., none
The number zero is a popular jersey number choice for basketball players, with 105 players in NBA history wearing the number, and 73 of them first sporting it in the 2010s. One reason for this popularity is the belief that the number represents the number of people who can guard a player, i.e., none. This idea conveys the player's skill and confidence on the court, suggesting that they are so talented that no one can defend against them.
This interpretation of the number zero as a symbol of dominance and invincibility can be traced back to college basketball. A player was once asked why he chose to wear the number zero, to which he replied, "because that's how many people can guard me." This response showcases the player's belief in their abilities and their desire to convey a message of superiority to their opponents.
The number zero on a jersey can also represent a new beginning or a fresh start for a player. Some athletes view zero as a unique number that sets them apart from their peers. It is not a typical number choice, and by selecting it, players can distinguish themselves and make a statement about their individuality.
Additionally, the number zero can hold personal significance for players. For example, Damian Lillard, who wears number zero for the Portland Trail Blazers, has stated that the number represents the letter "O" and his journey from Oakland, California, to Ogden, Utah, and now to Oregon.
The choice of wearing jersey number zero in basketball is often a deliberate decision by players, conveying various meanings and representations that they want to associate with their game.
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The number can represent how wide a player wants their fans' eyes to be when they play
The number zero is a unique choice for basketball players' jerseys. In the past, it was uncommon for players to wear this digit, but it has become increasingly popular in recent years. While some players choose the number zero for personal reasons, others select it to stand out and be distinctive.
One reason basketball players might choose the number zero is to represent how wide they want their fans' eyes to be when they play. This idea was expressed by Aaron Gordon, who wears the double-zero, or 00, jersey. In an interview, Gordon explained that he wanted to "leave [his] own legacy" and that the double-zero represents his desire to amaze fans and have them watching with their "eyes wide open". This sentiment captures the essence of athletic performance, where players strive to push the boundaries of what is possible and leave their audience in awe.
The choice of jersey number can be a way for athletes to express themselves and their aspirations. By selecting the number zero, players like Aaron Gordon are making a statement about their ambition to achieve greatness and leave a lasting impression on those who watch them play. It is a way to set themselves apart and be remembered by fans, not just for their athletic abilities but also for their unique choice of jersey number.
In addition to Aaron Gordon, other notable players who have worn the number zero include Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love, Damian Lillard, and Gilbert Arenas. Each of these players has had their own reasons for choosing the number zero. For example, Westbrook may have chosen it because it reminds him of his wife's (then girlfriend's) expression, while Love selected it because it was the first number he ever played with. Lillard's choice of zero represents the letter "O" and his journey from Oakland, California, to Ogden, Utah, and finally to Oregon.
The number zero has a unique quality as it is not a typical number. As one player explained, "you go with zero when you've been through something and you are looking to get a new beginning". This idea of a fresh start or a reset is appealing to athletes who may be seeking to revitalise their careers or make a statement about their personal growth. Ultimately, the choice of jersey number is a personal decision, and the number zero continues to be a popular option for basketball players, adding a layer of intrigue and expression to the world of sports.
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Frequently asked questions
Basketball players have worn the number zero for various reasons, including to represent a new beginning, to stand out, or because they think it looks cool.
Zero is not a common number for athletes to wear. In the history of the NBA, 95 or 137 players have worn the number zero.
Notable basketball players who have worn the number zero include Damian Lillard, Kevin Love, Avery Bradley, and Russell Westbrook.
Damian Lillard chose the number zero because it represents the letter O and his journey from Oakland, California, to Ogden, Utah, and finally to Oregon.
