Denver Nuggets’ Aaron Gordon’s touching reason for changing jersey number

The power forward will be honoring his late brother Drew with a new look for the upcoming NBA season.

Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (50) shoots the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves / Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Nuggets power forward Aaron Gordon will play next season with a heavy heart after losing his brother Drew to a tragic car accident in May. 

Aaron posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram this summer:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by AG (@aarongordon)

"Big bruh lives thru me 🖤," Gordon wrote in the caption.

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Many, including Magic Johnson, reached out to Aaron with heartfelt messages.

Drew was only 33 at the time of his passing. He was also a basketball star in his own right: a French League All-Star in 2016 and Russian League All-Star in 2018. In college at the University of New Mexico, he was first-team All-MWC in 2012 and the MWC tournament MVP in 2012. 

In a touching way to honor his older brother for the upcoming Nuggets season, Aaron will be changing his No. 50 jersey to 32 — the same number Drew wore. 

Aaron Gordon is set to change his jersey number from 50 to 32 this season in tribute to his older brother Drew, who passed away this past May, per @EtienneCatalan

🙏

(h/t @ClutchPoints ) pic.twitter.com/E8EZ8X1HpY

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 26, 2024

Aaron Gordon (@Double0AG) is switching from No. 50 to No. 32 for the #Nuggets to honor his late brother and former pro player Drew Gordon, who passed away earlier in May. Drew used to wear No. 32.

Number last worn by Jeff Green in 2023. #NBA pic.twitter.com/7h7LzSOWlI

— Etienne Catalan (@EtienneCatalan) August 26, 2024

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While fans may want to switch out their Gordon jerseys, they also may want to pick up a pair of his new shoes as well. 

Even opposing fans will be rooting for the new No. 32. 

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