Basketball jerseys are usually just about branding or personal preference. You see a guy switch from 23 to 6 and think, "Oh, he wants a fresh start" or "The marketing team needed a new jersey cycle." But when you see the Aaron Gordon 32 jersey on the court in Denver lately, it hits different. This isn't a rebrand. It's not about selling more polyester.
It’s heavy.
If you’ve followed AG since his days jumping over mascots in Orlando or his lockdown defensive runs during the Nuggets’ 2023 title charge, you knew him as #00 or #50. The "Mr. 50" nickname was literally part of his identity after those legendary dunk contest snubs. So, seeing 32 on his back feels jarring at first. But for Aaron, 32 is the only number that matters now.
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The heartbreaking reason behind the switch
Life comes at you fast. In May 2024, the basketball world stopped for a second when news broke that Drew Gordon—Aaron’s older brother—had died in a tragic car accident in Oregon. He was only 33.
Drew wasn't just "the older brother." He was a hooper. A legend in his own right at New Mexico, a guy who fought his way into the league with the 76ers and carved out a massive career overseas. And throughout his journey, especially those dominant years with the New Mexico Lobos, Drew wore #32.
Aaron didn't just change a number; he took on a mantle. He actually posted on Instagram shortly after the accident with a photo of a new tattoo—a gorilla and his brother's initials—saying, "Big bruh lives thru me." Taking over the #32 was the logical, albeit painful, next step in that tribute. Honestly, every time Aaron Gordon 32 jersey ripples as he goes up for a board, it’s a nod to Drew.
Why the number 32 is a Gordon family staple
It’s kinda wild how deep the roots go with this specific set of digits. Long before the NBA, Aaron actually wore #32 back in high school at Archbishop Mitty. They even retired the number for him there in 2020.
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But he didn't wear it in the pros for a long time.
In Orlando, he went with 00. When he got traded to Denver in 2021, 32 wasn't exactly available or a priority—Jeff Green was wearing it during that championship run. Aaron settled on 50, a cheeky reference to his "perfect 50" dunks. It fit the vibe of a guy who was finally finding his place in a winning system.
But things changed. Family matters more than a nickname. When the 2024-25 season rolled around, and with Uncle Jeff gone to Houston, the path was clear. Aaron officially dropped the 50. He picked up the 32.
What this means for Nuggets fans and collectors
If you’re a fan looking to grab an Aaron Gordon 32 jersey, you’ve probably noticed the shift in the team store. The old #50 gear is basically vintage now. It’s funny because some fans actually felt "cheated" having just bought a 50 jersey right before the switch, but once the reason came out, that sentiment vanished.
Now, wearing the 32 is a sign of solidarity.
The aesthetic of the new look
The Nuggets have some of the best kits in the league, period. Whether it's the "Statement" navy, the "Icon" blue, or the "Association" white, the #32 fits the blocky Denver font perfectly. It looks classic. It looks like it was always meant to be there.
- The Icon Edition: This is the standard blue you see most nights.
- The Statement Edition: The navy blue with the yellow accents.
- The City Edition: These change every year, but the 32 looks particularly sharp on the 2025/26 designs that have been floating around.
Interestingly, the #32 has good karma in Mile High. The last guy to wear it (Jeff Green) walked away with a ring. Maybe there's some of that championship "glue guy" energy baked into the fabric.
Performance: Is he playing differently in the 32?
Statistically, Aaron is still Aaron. He’s the guy who cuts to the rim when Jokic looks the other way. He’s the guy who guards the opposing team’s best player for 38 minutes and doesn't complain.
But there’s a focus there. You can see it in his eyes during the pre-game intros. He’s playing for someone else now. His nephews—Drew’s kids—are often seen at the games. When they look down at the court and see their uncle wearing their dad’s number, that’s bigger than any box score.
He’s shooting the ball better than ever, too. Maybe it’s the peace of mind. Maybe it’s just the natural progression of a veteran. Or maybe, just maybe, there’s a bit of Drew’s jumper living on through him.
How to make sure you're getting a real Aaron Gordon 32 jersey
Look, the internet is full of knockoffs. If you want the real deal—the Nike Swingman or the authentic stitched version—you have to be careful.
- Check the tags: Official Nike NBA jerseys will have the "Dri-FIT" branding and specific heat-pressed or stitched logos that cheap fakes can't replicate.
- The "50" Clearance Trap: You’ll see a ton of #50 jerseys on sale for $40. They aren't fakes; they’re just old stock. If you want to honor the current era, make sure that 32 is front and center.
- The Sponsorship Patch: Official jerseys bought through the Denver Nuggets team store (Altitude Athletics) usually include the "Western Union" or current sponsor patch, which you won't always find on the generic Nike.com versions.
Taking care of the threads
If you drop $120+ on a jersey, don't ruin it in the wash. Seriously.
Turn it inside out. Use cold water. Never, ever put it in the dryer. The heat will wreck the heat-applied numbers and letters faster than a fast break. Let it air dry. It takes longer, but your jersey will still look crisp three seasons from now.
Actionable steps for fans
If you're looking to support AG and the Gordon family's legacy, here’s what you can do:
- Upgrade your gear: If you're heading to Ball Arena, grabbing the new #32 is the best way to show you're riding with Aaron through this new chapter.
- Follow the journey: Aaron is often vocal on social media about the "Drew Gordon Foundation" and other initiatives to keep his brother's memory alive.
- Appreciate the role: Watch how he plays. Notice the small things. The #32 represents a player who has matured from a high-flying dunker into the emotional heartbeat of a contender.
The Aaron Gordon 32 jersey isn't just a piece of sports apparel. It's a tribute. It's a story of loss, love, and a younger brother carrying a torch that was extinguished far too soon.