Choosing a jersey number is a significant milestone in a basketball player’s career. For some, it reflects a number they wore throughout their journey from high school to the pros; for others, it pays homage to legends who came before them. Some players even select their numbers as a statement or tribute to loved ones.
In this article, we explore the best player to wear each jersey number in NBA history, along with intriguing stories about their choices. We consider not only their accolades but also how long they wore each number. For instance, while Michael Jordan famously wore No. 12 for just one game, he is not included in our list for that number. Here’s our breakdown of the best players by jersey number:
00: Robert Parish
The Hall of Famer Robert Parish wore No. 00 throughout his 21-year career across four teams. He chose this number in high school, reflecting his early struggles as a player. Notably, he wasn’t a star on his junior high team, which led to him receiving the last available jersey. Other notable players to wear No. 00 include Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Duckworth.
0: Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook is the standout player for No. 0, having worn it for most of his career. While he had aspirations to wear No. 4, it was unavailable at various points in his career. Westbrook’s choice of No. 0 symbolizes a fresh start, and he has achieved significant accolades, including an MVP award.
1: Tracy McGrady
Tracy McGrady wore No. 1 for the majority of his career, inspired by his idol Penny Hardaway. Although he briefly switched to No. 3 to promote humanitarian efforts, McGrady’s legacy in No. 1 is unmatched, making him the best to wear it.
2: Moses Malone
Moses Malone wore No. 2 for the longest stretch of his illustrious career, where he became a three-time MVP and a champion. His choice was likely influenced by the fact that his previous number, 24, was already taken.
3: Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade is the definitive player for No. 3, having worn it for the entirety of his career except for a brief stint with the Cavaliers. Wade chose this number as a tribute to Allen Iverson, who greatly influenced him during his formative years.
4: Dolph Schayes
Dolph Schayes wore No. 4 for almost his entire career, earning 12 All-Star selections and a championship. His number was retired by the Philadelphia 76ers, honoring his contributions to the franchise.
5: Jason Kidd
Jason Kidd is the best player to don No. 5, known for his exceptional passing and defensive skills. He wore No. 5 for most of his career, aside from a brief period in Phoenix when he wore No. 32.
6: Bill Russell
Bill Russell, an 11-time champion and one of the most influential players in NBA history, is the best to wear No. 6. His legacy is so profound that the NBA has retired this number league-wide in his honor.
7: Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony is the standout for No. 7, which he wore during his time with the New York Knicks. He chose this number to signify his son’s birthday and the mathematical relationship to his previous number, 15.
8: Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant, one of the greatest players of all time, wore No. 8 for his first ten seasons, during which he won three championships. He later switched to No. 24, but both numbers are retired by the Lakers.
9: Bob Pettit
Bob Pettit is the best player to wear No. 9, having spent his entire career with the Hawks. He was a two-time MVP and a prolific scorer, leaving a lasting legacy.
10: Walt Frazier
Walt Frazier, known for his style and skill, is the best to wear No. 10. He won two championships with the Knicks and was a six-time All-Star.
11: Isiah Thomas
Isiah Thomas, the Hall of Fame point guard, wore No. 11 throughout his career with the Detroit Pistons. His leadership helped the team win two championships.
12: John Stockton
John Stockton, the all-time leader in assists and steals, is the best player to wear No. 12. His legacy with the Utah Jazz is unmatched, and he wore this number throughout his illustrious career.
13: Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain, one of the most dominant players in NBA history, wore No. 13 for his entire career. His scoring and rebounding records remain legendary.
14: Oscar Robertson
Oscar Robertson, known as “The Big O,” wore No. 14 for the majority of his career with the Cincinnati Royals, where he became the first player to average a triple-double for a season.
15: Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic, the reigning MVP and one of the most skilled big men in the game, wears No. 15. His unique playing style and success have made him a standout player in NBA history.
16: Pau Gasol
Pau Gasol is the best player to wear No. 16, known for his versatility and skill. He won two championships with the Lakers and had a significant impact on the game.
17: John Havlicek
John Havlicek, a Celtics legend, wore No. 17 for his entire career. He was a key player in Boston’s success during the 1960s and 70s.
18: Dave Cowens
Dave Cowens, a two-time MVP, is the best to wear No. 18. He was a crucial part of the Celtics’ success in the 1970s.
19: Willis Reed
Willis Reed, known for his leadership and toughness, is the best player to wear No. 19. He led the Knicks to two championships and was named Finals MVP twice.
20: Gary Payton
Gary Payton, the “Glove,” is the best player to wear No. 20. Known for his defensive prowess, he won a championship with the Heat.
21: Tim Duncan
Tim Duncan, one of the greatest power forwards of all time, wore No. 21 for his entire career with the Spurs, leading them to five championships.
22: Elgin Baylor
Elgin Baylor, a scoring machine, is the best to wear No. 22. He had a prolific career with the Lakers and was a pioneer for future players.
23: Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan, often regarded as the greatest player of all time, made No. 23 iconic. His impact on the game and culture is unparalleled.
24: Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant, in addition to his legacy with No. 8, also made No. 24 legendary. His work ethic and competitive spirit inspired countless players.
25: Chet Walker
Chet Walker is the best player to wear No. 25, known for his scoring ability and contributions to the Bulls and 76ers.
26: Kyle Korver
Kyle Korver, one of the best shooters in NBA history, is the standout for No. 26. His shooting prowess has made him a valuable asset on every team he has played for.
27: Rudy Gobert
Rudy Gobert, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, is the best player to wear No. 27. His shot-blocking and rebounding skills have made him a dominant force in the league.
28: Alperen Sengun
Alperen Sengun, an up-and-coming talent, is our pick for No. 28. He is making a name for himself in the league and has a bright future ahead.
29: Paul Silas
Paul Silas, a solid player and coach, wore No. 29 for a portion of his career, making him the best to wear that number.
30: Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry, the greatest shooter in NBA history, wears No. 30. His impact on the game and ability to revolutionize shooting has changed basketball.
31: Reggie Miller
Reggie Miller, known for his clutch shooting, is the best player to wear No. 31. His legacy with the Pacers is unmatched.
32: Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson, one of the most iconic players in NBA history, wore No. 32 for his entire career, leading the Lakers to five championships.
33: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the all-time leading scorer, wore No. 33 for his entire career. His skyhook shot remains one of the most unstoppable moves in basketball history.
34: Hakeem Olajuwon
Hakeem Olajuwon, a two-time champion and MVP, is the best player to wear No. 34. His footwork and skill made him a dominant center.
35: Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant, one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history, has worn No. 35 for most of his career, earning multiple championships and MVP awards.
36: Rasheed Wallace
Rasheed Wallace, known for his versatility and defensive prowess, is our pick for No. 36. He won a championship with the Pistons.
37: Metta World Peace
Metta World Peace, formerly known as Ron Artest, wore No. 37 during his time with the Lakers and is known for his defensive skills.
38: Viktor Khryapa
Viktor Khryapa is the best player to wear No. 38, having had a respectable career in the NBA and overseas.
39: Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard, a multiple-time All-Star and former MVP, wore No. 39 during the latter stages of his career.
40: Shawn Kemp
Shawn Kemp, a six-time All-Star, is the best player to wear No. 40, known for his athleticism and scoring ability.
41: Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk Nowitzki, a legendary player and champion, wore No. 41 for his entire career, making him the best to wear that number.
42: James Worthy
James Worthy, a Hall of Famer and key player for the Lakers, wore No. 42 for his entire career.
43: Pascal Siakam
Pascal Siakam, an NBA champion and All-Star, is the best player to wear No. 43, representing his family through his jersey number.
44: Jerry West
Jerry West, known as “The Logo,” is the best player to wear No. 44, with a career full of accolades and championships.
45: Donovan Mitchell
Donovan Mitchell, a rising star in the league, is our pick for No. 45, wearing it to honor Michael Jordan.
46: Nazr Mohammed
Nazr Mohammed is the best player to wear No. 46, having a solid career in the NBA.
47: Andrei Kirilenko
Andrei Kirilenko, known for his versatility, is the best player to wear No. 47, making a significant impact during his career.
48: Francisco Elson
Francisco Elson is the best player to wear No. 48, having a respectable career in the league.
49: Shandon Anderson
Shandon Anderson is the best player to wear No. 49, contributing to the teams he played for during his career.
50: David Robinson
David Robinson, a Hall of Famer and two-time champion, is the best player to wear No. 50, leaving a lasting legacy in the NBA.
51: Reggie King
Reggie King is the best player to wear No. 51, having a solid career in the NBA.
52: Jamaal Wilkes
Jamaal Wilkes is the best player to wear No. 52, known for his contributions to the Lakers.
53: Artis Gilmore
Artis Gilmore is the best player to wear No. 53, having a successful career in both the NBA and ABA.
54: Horace Grant
Horace Grant is the best player to wear No. 54, known for his contributions to the Bulls and Magic.
55: Dikembe Mutombo
Dikembe Mutombo is the best player to wear No. 55, known for his defensive skills and impact on the game.
56: Drew Gooden
Drew Gooden is the best player to wear No. 56, having a solid career in the NBA.
57: Mike Muscala
Mike Muscala is the best player to wear No. 57, known for his contributions to the teams he played for.
58: Jack McVeigh
Jack McVeigh is the best player to wear No. 58, being the only player to wear it in the NBA.
70: Dennis Rodman
Dennis Rodman is the best player to wear No. 70, known for his unique style and rebounding ability.
73: Dennis Rodman
Dennis Rodman is also the best player to wear No. 73, having a memorable career in the NBA.
77: Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic is the best player to wear No. 77, known for his exceptional skills and impact on the game.
89: Clyde Lovellette
Clyde Lovellette is the best player to wear No. 89, known for his contributions to the game.
90: Drew Gooden
Drew Gooden is also the best player to wear No. 90, known for his versatility and scoring ability.
91: Dennis Rodman
Dennis Rodman is again the best player to wear No. 91, known for his rebounding and defensive prowess.
92: DeShawn Stevenson
DeShawn Stevenson is the best player to wear No. 92, known for his contributions to the teams he played for.
93: Metta World Peace
Metta World Peace is also the best player to wear No. 93, known for his defensive skills and impact on the game.
94: Evan Fournier
Evan Fournier is the best player to wear No. 94, known for his scoring ability.
95: DeAndre Bembry
DeAndre Bembry is the best player to wear No. 95, known for his contributions to the teams he played for.
96: Metta World Peace
Metta World Peace is again the best player to wear No. 96, known for his defensive skills.
97: Eugene Omoruyi
Eugene Omoruyi is the best player to wear No. 97, known for his contributions to the teams he played for.
98: Jason Collins
Jason Collins is the best player to wear No. 98, known for his impact on and off the court.
99: George Mikan
George Mikan is the best player to wear No. 99, known for his contributions to the game.
This comprehensive guide celebrates the players who have left their mark on the NBA, showcasing their legacy through the numbers they wore. For fans, these numbers represent not just statistics but the stories and journeys of some of the greatest athletes in sports history.