Only Diehard NBA Fans Can Match All These Players To Their Jersey Numbers
Over the course of NBA history, some players have become synonymous with their jersey numbers. Most notably, Michael Jordan and his iconic 23 jersey number, and Kobe Bryant wearing 8, before then making the famous switch to 24.
To some players, such as Golden State Warriors' star Kevin Durant, their jersey numbers are more than just numbers on a jersey. Kevin Durant wears number 35 because his childhood mentor and coach was tragically offed at the age of 35. Because of this, Kevin Durant's pregame ritual includes touching the numbers on the front of his jersey before then pointing up.
For other players, jersey numbers tend to change from team to team. While sometimes these changes don't mean much, in other cases the number is yet another important one for them. For example, after leaving the Chicago Bulls, MVP Derrick Rose switched to number 25. The switch to number 25 on the Minnesota Timberwolves saw Rose pay homage to his high school days at Simeon Academy in Chicago. The academy is famous for its basketball program, and traditionally, the best player on the team wears number 25 in honor of former Simeon star Benji Wilson who was offed at the age of 17 in 1984 and wore number 25 for Simeon.
Below, test NBA knowledge and attempt to match 50 NBA stars to their jersey numbers. For players who played on multiple teams, and wore different jersey numbers on different teams, it will specify which team we'll need to remember the jersey number for. In most cases, the jersey number we're looking for when players have been on different teams will be the team and number they're most known for.
Good luck!
Tim Duncan
Tim Duncan was drafted in 1997 to the San Antonio Spurs with the first pick of the draft. From 1997-2016, Duncan wore just one number, and played exclusively for head coach Greg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs. During the course of his iconic Career, Duncan won 5 NBA championships, 2 NBA MVP awards, and 3 NBA Finals MVPs to go along with countless other significant awards. Duncan remains one of the few players in league history to nearly play two decades with the same team. What jersey number did he wear?
Tracy McGrady
Tracy McGrady, also known as 'TMac' remains one of the most iconic scorers in the history of the NBA. In addition, he was voted to the NBA all-star team for seven straight years, and won the NBA scoring title in 2003 & 2004. While he played on seven different teams during the course of his 15 year career, TMac only wore two jersey numbers. One of them was number 3, but can you remember the other number he wore on the Rockets?
Blake Griffin
After being drafted as the first overall pick in 2009 to the Los Angeles Clippers, Blake Griffin went on to become one of the most ferocious power forwards in the NBA. A 5-time NBA All-Star, Griffin earned the reputation as a one of the most explosive dunkers in the league, putting countless players on a poster during his time with the Clippers. Although he is now on the Detroit Pistons rather than the Clippers, the first nine years of his career was spent wearing one number. Do you remember which one?
Dirk Nowitzki
Despite being drafted in 1998 to the Milwaukee Bucks, Dirk Nowitzki has spent his entire 20 year career with the Dallas Mavericks. That astonishing feat makes him one of only two players in league history to spend twenty years with one team. During his time with the Mavericks, Nowitzki has proven himself to be one of the elite power forwards in the league. In 2011, he won the NBA Finals MVP after helping lead the Mavericks to the NBA Championships. What number has Nowitzki worn for the past 2 decades?
John Wall
NBA point guard John Wall came into the league in 2010 as the number 1 overall draft pick. Since being drafted to the Washington Wizards, Wall has worn the same number during the course of his eight year career. During that time, he's proven himself to be one of the best point guards in the league. In addition, Wall, a five-time All-Star possesses some of the most impressive handles in the league. Do you know what number he's worn for the past eight years?
Russell Westbrook
The past two years, Russell Westbrook set NBA records for averaging a triple double in back-to-back seasons, a feat never before achieved. In 2017, Westbrook won the NBA's Most Valuable Player award for his historic season. After spending two years playing for the UCLA Bruins, Westbrook declared for the NBA draft, where he was selected as the fourth overall pick in 2008 to the Seattle SuperSonics. After the SuperSonics franchise was moved to Oklahoma, Westbrook continued to wear the same number on the Thunder. What number does he wear?
Yao Ming
Standing at 7 foot 6, Yao Ming remains one of the tallest men to ever put on an NBA jersey. After being drafted first overall by the Houston Rockets in 2002, Yao played nine seasons with the team before then retiring due to injuries. During his time with the Rockets, he was voted to the NBA All-Star team eight different times. In addition, his number was retired by the Rockets franchise after his retirement. Do you remember what number he wore?
Ray Allen
Drafted to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1996, Ray Allen went on to have a historic NBA career, becoming one of the most decorated shooters in NBA history. Allen wore two different numbers during his time in the NBA. After being drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks, Allen wore number 34, however he most notably wore a different number during his years with the Boston Celtics, where he won his first NBA championship in 2008. Do you remember what number he wore?
Steve Nash
Widely considered to be one of the greatest players to never win an NBA championship, Steve Nash is a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, and eight-time NBA All-Star. After two years with the Phoenix Suns, Nash was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, before then being traded back to the Phoenix Suns, where he spent eight seasons with the team. Up until the last three years of his career, which he spent in Los Angeles wearing number 10, Nash wore the same number. What number did he wear?
Penny Hardaway
Anfernee Hardaway, better known as 'Penny Hardaway', is one of the tallest point guards in NBA history. Standing at 6 foot 7, Penny was an exceptional scorer and passer, averaging 21.7 points per game, and 7.2 assists per game at the height of his career. Despite never winning an NBA championship, Penny was a four-time NBA All-Star with the Orlando Magic, until eventually being traded to the Phoenix Suns in 1999. He switched to number 7 for the last year of his career, however he wore this number during the rest of his career.
James Harden
2018 NBA MVP James Harden was drafted to the league in 2009 by the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he played until 2012. Following his stint with the Thunder, Harden then signed with the Houston Rockets, where he proved himself as an NBA star, and one of the most dominant scorers in the league. At just 28, Harden now has his sights set on an NBA championship with the Houston Rockets in the coming seasons. Do you know what number he wears?
Kyle Korver
Drafted in 2003, Kyle Korver has proven himself not only one of the most consistent, but one of the most clutch three-point shooters in the league. Korver holds the NBA record for the highest three-point shooting percentage in a regular season to go along with his record for most three-pointers made in a season on the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite playing on five different teams throughout his career, Korver wore the same number on the 76ers, Utah Jazz, Chicago Bulls, and Atlanta Hawks. Do you know what number he wore?
Chris Paul
Drafted as the 4th overall pick in the 2005 NBA draft, Chris Paul has solidified his place as one of the top point guards in the NBA. A nine-time NBA All-Star, Paul was also named the NBA MVP in 2013 while on the L.A. Clippers. Despite now being a member of the Houston Rockets alongside James Harden, Paul has worn the same jersey number throughout his entire career. Do you know what jersey number this elite level point guard wears?
Jamal Crawford
After being drafted to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jamal Crawford was traded on draft day to the Chicago Bulls, where he spent his next 4 years. Since then, he has been on the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers, LA Clippers, and currently the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite being on countless teams, Crawford has managed to wear the same number throughout the majority of his career. Throughout his eighteen years in the league, Crawford has not only proven himself as an elite level scorer, but also an elite ball handler. What number does he wear?
Carmelo Anthony
Drafted in 2003 by the Denver Nuggets, Carmelo Anthony spent eight years with the team before then signing with the New York Knicks. During that transition to the Knicks, Anthony switched from number 15 to a different number. Despite never winning a ring with the franchise, Anthony was named to the NBA All-Star team every year he was a member of the Knicks. In addition, Anthony is a three-time Olympic gold medalist with team USA. What number did he wear on the New York Knicks?
Derrick Rose
Drafted by the Chicago Bulls as the first overall pick in 2008, Derrick Rose shocked the league as he was named the youngest MVP in NBA history in 2011. To this day, he remains the youngest player in league history to win the Most Valuable Player award. After leaving the Bulls, Rose switched to number 25, paying tribute to his old number in high school. It was during his time with the Bulls that he wore another number however, do you remember what number he wore?
Allen Iverson
One of the most iconic players in NBA history, Allen Iverson spent a decade with the Philadelphia 76ers before then bouncing around from various teams for the remainder of his career. With his flashy handles, lightning quick speed, and midrange shot, Iverson remains one of the best offensive point guards in NBA history. Although he switched jersey numbers after leaving the 76ers, Iverson's jersey on the 76ers remains one of the top-selling jerseys in NBA history. What number did he wear?
Scottie Pippen
Known for his six NBA championships alongside Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen played eleven seasons with the Chicago Bulls before then joining the Houston Rockets in 1998. Pippen's name became synonymous with Michael Jordan as the dynamic duo led the Chicago Bulls dynasty in their golden era. During that time, he was named to the NBA All-Star team seven times, and named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team eight times, in addition to being the 1995 NBA steals leader. What number did he wear?
Rajon Rondo
Rajon Rondo is an thirteen-year NBA veteran, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest passers in NBA history. During the course of his career, Rondo most notably won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008 alongside Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. Since leaving the team in 2014, he has been on five different NBA teams, most recently landing a slot on the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of the 2018-19 season. Throughout all the team changes, Rondo's number has never changed. What number does he wear?
Shaquille O'Neal
The man with many nicknames! Shaq-Fu, Big Diesel, Shaq Daddy, and countless others, Shaquille O'Neal is widely considered to be one of the most ferocious big men in NBA history. Standing at 7 foot 1, and weighing 330 pounds, Shaq spent his early years as a member of the Orlando Magic wearing number 32. After four seasons with the Magic, O'Neal joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996; where he cemented his place as one of the best big-men in the league as he won three championships alongside Kobe Bryant. What number did he wear on the Lakers?
Kevin garnett
Drafted straight out of high school, power forward Kevin Garnett spent the majority of his NBA career with the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he wore number 21. After twelve seasons with the team, Garnett joined the Boston Celtics in 2007, where he won an NBA championship the following year alongside Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce. During his time with the Celtics, Garnett wore a different jersey number than he did with the Timberwolves. Do you remember what number he wore with the Celtics?
Joakim Noah
Standing at 6 foot 11, Joakim Noah spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Chicago Bulls, where he averaged a career-high 2.1 blocks per game to go along with 11.1 rebounds per game and 11.9 points per game during the 2012-13 season. During his time with the Bulls, Noah notably played alongside Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler under head coach Tom Thibodeau. The trio of Rose, Noah, and Butler gave Bulls fans several exciting seasons as the young team battled in the Eastern Conference. What number did Noah wear with the Bulls?
Jason Kidd
Drafted in 1994 as the second overall pick in the NBA draft, Jason Kidd is widely considered to be one of the top 10 point guards of all time. Kidd spent two years with the Mavericks before then switching to the Phoenix Suns for five years before then landing with the New Jersey Nets for seven seasons. Throughout the first three teams he played for, Kidd wore the same number on the Mavericks as well as on the Nets. While Kidd also wore 2, and 32, what other number did he most notably wear?
Brian Scalabrine
Brian Scalabrine is a favorite of diehard NBA fans, and not necessarily for the right reasons. While Scalabrine won a championship with the Boston Celtics during the 2007-08 season, contributing 1.8 points per game, and 1.6 rebounds per game, he gained superstardom thanks to the internet, as many fans began to make memes of him. Despite his rather lackluster time in Boston, Scalabrine's status as a fan favorite carried over to his career with the Chicago Bulls for the 2011 and 2012 NBA seasons, where he continued to receive overwhelming amounts of fan votes for the All-Star game. During his time with the Bulls he wore number 24, however do you remember what number he wore on the Boston Celtics?
Tony Parker
In 2001, the San Antonio Spurs used their 28th overall pick to draft 6 foot 2 point guard Tony Parker. From 2001 to 2018, Parker played under famed head coach Greg Popovich, winning four NBA championships alongside Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobli. After winning the 2007 NBA championship, Parker was awarded the NBA Finals MVP for his contributions. It wasn't until the summer of 2018 that Parker left the San Antonio Spurs. During his 17 seasons with the Spurs Parker only wore one number. Do you know what number he wore?
Ben Wallace
Ben Wallace, also known as 'Big Ben' went undrafted in the NBA after playing four years in college. Wallace was known for his large afro early in his career, as well as his tenacity. Despite being just 6 foot 9, Wallace played the majority of his career playing as a center for the Detroit Pistons. It was there that Wallace won his only NBA championship. While he wore four different numbers during his career, including 30, 6, and 4, Wallace is best known for wearing what other number?
Dwyane Wade
In a list of the greatest shooting guards of all time, Dwyane Wade would likely be listed in the top 5. After being drafted as the 5th overall pick in 2003, Wade played thirteen seasons with the Miami Heat, winning three championships, as well as an NBA Finals MVP in 2006. With his elite level scoring combined with his aggressive defense, Wade is widely considered to be the greatest Miami Heat player of all time. Do you know what number he wore?
Vince Carter
Known as arguably the greatest dunker of all time, Vince Carter has contributed more clips than any other NBA player to slam dunk highlight reels. In addition to winning the 2000 NBA Slam Dunk contest, Carter won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA the same year. It was during those Olympics that Carter famously jumped over a seven foot player on the other team, in order to catch an alley-oop. The clip remains one of the most impressive dunks in NBA history. While Carter has played on several teams, do you remember what number he wore in New Jersey and Toronto?
Dwight Howard
Drafted as the first overall pick in 2004 to the Orlando Magic, Dwight Howard went on to be an NBA All-Star five times with the Magic before then jumping around from team to team from 2012 on. During his time with the Magic, Howard cemented his place as an elite level center, averaging a career high 22.9 points per game, along with 14.5 rebounds per game. In addition to his shot-blocking abilities, Howard is known as one of the most powerful dunkers in the league. Do you know what number he most notably wore with the Magic?
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Drafted as the 15th overall pick in 2013 to the Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmp has quickly become one of the hottest young stars in the NBA. At 6 foot 11, Giannis' size gives him the advantage of a big-man, with the quickness and explosiveness of an elite level guard. This, combined with his overwhelming potential, makes him one of the most versatile young players in the league. As a result, he is the upcoming NBA 2k19 cover athlete. Do you know what number he wears?
Amar'e Stoudemire
Drafted to the Phoenix Suns in 2002, Amar'e Stoudemire quickly proved himself to be one of the most talented power forwards of his generation. Stoudemire spent the majority of his career with the Suns until 2010, when he was traded to the New York Knicks. After five years with the Knicks, Stoudemire played for the Dallas Mavericks and the Miami Heat. While Stoudemire wore several different numbers throughout his career, he was best known for wearing number 32, as well as this number.
DeMar Derozan
In the 2009 NBA draft, the Toronto Raptors used their ninth overall pick to draft USC guard DeMar Derozan. Derozan played for the Raptors from 2009 to 2018 before being traded to the San Antonio Spurs in the summer of 2018. During his time with the Raptors, Derozan developed into not only an elite level scorer, but also a key player for the Raptors franchise. He has worn the same number throughout his entire basketball career, even at USC. Do you know what number?
Serge Ibaka
A member of the Spanish Olympic team, Serge Ibaka made his NBA debut with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2009 after the franchise relocated from Seattle after drafting him with the 24th overall pick. It was there that Ibaka solidified his place as an elite level defender, being named to the All-Defensive NBA First Team in 2012, 2013, and 2014. In addition, he led the NBA in blocks in 2012, as well as 2013. Now a member of the Toronto Raptors, he wears the same number as he did on the Oklahoma City Thunder. Do you know what number he wears?
Stephon Marbury
Widely considered to be one of the best point guards to ever come out of New York, Stephon Marbury spent fifteen years in the NBA, with most of them being on the New York Knicks. Marbury proved himself to be one of the best passers in the NBA as he reached a career-high 9.3 assists per game in the 2003-2004 season. While he has worn number 8 on the Boston Celtics, as well as number 33 on the Phoenix Suns, what number did Marbury wear with the New York Knicks?
Paul George
A five-time NBA All-Star, Paul George was drafted to the Indiana Pacers with the 10th overall pick in the 2010 draft. George played the first seven years of his career with the Indiana Pacers, being nominated to the NBA All-Star team four times. During this time, George proved himself to be one of the top small forwards in the league. While he also wore number 24 with the Pacers, George has worn this number on the Pacers, as well as currently on the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Kawhi Leonard
After being drafted by the Indiana Pacers in 2011 with the 15th overall pick, George was immediately traded to the San Antonio Spurs, where he played seven seasons under legendary head coach Greg Popovich. During that time, he won an NBA championship in 2014, and was named as the NBA Finals MVP. In addition, Leonard has proven himself to be one of the league's elite defenders, being nominated to the All NBA Defensive First Team in 2015, 2016, and 2017. What number does he wear?
Lonzo Ball
Drafted in 2017 as the number two overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers, Lonzo Ball entered into the NBA with the eyes of the world upon him. Thanks to the creative marketing of his father Lavar Ball, Lonzo had more eyes on him than most rookies do. In his rookie season, Ball averaged an impressive 7.2 assists per game. In the upcoming season, he will look to help LeBron James and the Lakers dethrone the Golden State Warriors. What number does he wear?
Chris Bosh
Chris Bosh was drafted as the 4th overall pick in the 2003 draft by the Toronto Raptors. At 6 foot 11, he quickly proved himself to be an elite level big-man, averaging a double double in 2006, 2008, and 2009. During his time with the Raptors, Bosh wore number 4; however when he signed with the Miami Heat in 2010, Bosh began wearing another number. It was on the Heat that Bosh won two NBA championships. Do you know what number he wore for them?
Zach Randolph
A two-time NBA All-Star, Zach Randolph entered into the league in 2001, after being drafted as the 19th overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers. Randolph played six seasons with the team before going on to play for the New York Knicks and LA Clippers before then playing eight seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies. It was there that Randolph played the majority of his career, being nominated to the NBA All-Star team twice. Despite several team changes, what number does Randolph wear?
Klay Thompson
Drafted to the Golden State Warriors in 2011, Klay Thompson makes up one half of the 'Splash Brothers' alongside Steph Curry. Thompson had a breakout year in 2012, playing in all 82 games that season, and averaging 16.6 points per game. Since then he has gone on to help the Warriors win three NBA championships with the team under head coach Steve Kerr. In addition, Thompson won a gold medal with Team USA in the 2016 Olympic games. What number does he wear?
Anthony Davis
Drafted as the first overall pick in 2012 by the New Orleans Hornets, Chicago native Anthony Davis quickly proved himself as not only one of the best shot blockers in the league, but also one of the most diverse big-men in the league. Davis has played his entire career with the franchise, remaining on the team after the Hornets became the Pelicans. In addition to being a five-time NBA All-Star, Davis won a gold medal with Team USA in 2012. What number does he wear?
Karl Anthony-Towns
Standing at 7 feet tall, Karl Anthony-Towns was selected as the first overall draft pick in 2015 after playing one season with Kentucky. Similar to Anthony Davis, Town's versatility as a seven foot big-man has led to him being considered one of the hottest young prospects in the NBA. The 2018 season saw Towns voted to the NBA All-Star team for the first time. Throughout his entire career, Towns has worn the same number. Do you know what number he wears?
Kristaps Porzingis
Widely believed to be one of the best European players to ever join the NBA, Kristaps Porzingis entered into the league as the 4th overall pick in 2015 at 7 foot 3. Despite his height, Porzingis too is an extremely versatile big-man. Thanks to his shooting abilities, Porzingis led the Knicks in scoring during the 2017-18 season, and averaged a career-high 2.4 blocks per game. The young star is now the face of the New York Knicks, but do you know what number he wears?
Jeremy Lin
In 2010, Jeremy Lin went undrafted in the NBA draft. After being signed and relegated to the NBA D-Leage three different times, Lin found himself on the New York Knicks at the start of the 2011 season. After an injury saw him promoted to starting point guard, Lin shocked the world as he put on an incredible performance to lead a Knicks winning streak that was eventually dubbed 'Linsanity'. While Lin has bounced around from team to team since then, do you remember what number he wore for the Knicks?
Karl Malone
Karl Malone's name will forever be associated with the Utah Jazz after 'The Mailman' played for the team for eighteen seasons. During that time he won the NBA Most Valuable Player award twice. In addition, he helped lead the Jazz to the NBA Finals in 1997, where the team fell to the Chicago Bulls in a historic series. Malone's consistent dominance led to him being nicknamed The Mailman due to the fact that he 'delivered' every single night on the court. But what number did he wear?
Andrew Wiggins
Drafted to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014 with the first overall pick, Andrew Wiggins went on to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award after being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves without ever putting on a Cavaliers jersey. Since then Wiggins has continued to improve, and is on the verge of becoming one of the NBA's most elite small forwards. In the 2016-17 season, Wiggins averaged a career high 23.6 points, helping lead the Wolves to one of their most successful seasons in recent memory. What number does he wear?
Andre Drummond
Two-time NBA All-Star Andre Drummond was picked 9th overall in the 2012 draft by the Detroit Pistons, where he has spent the last six seasons. In that time, Drummond has earned the reputation as one of the best rebounders in the league, averaging over 13 rebounds per game in five of his six seasons with the Pistons. In the 2016 and 2018 seasons, Drummond led the NBA in rebounds, in addition to a gold medal with Spain in the 2014 FIBA World Cup. What number does he wear?
Manu Ginobli
At 41 years old, veteran shooting guard Manu Ginobli was selected as the 57th overall pick in the 1995 draft to the San Antonio Spurs. Since then Ginobli has remained loyal, playing all 15 of his seasons with the Spurs. In addition, Ginobli has won four championships with the Spurs alongside Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. While Duncan has retired, and Parker has recently signed a deal with another team, Ginobli remains on the Spurs. What number does he wear?
Chauncey Billups
Drafted to the NBA as the 3rd overall pick in 1997, Chauncey Billups went to four different teams in four years to start his career, before finally landing on the Detroit Pistons in 2002. It was there that Billups emerged as one of the leagues best point guards, helping lead the team to the 2004 NBA Championship, and winning the NBA Finals MVP for his role in the team's championship win. While Billups played for several different teams and wore several different numbers, what number did he wear on the Pistons?
Draymond Green
Drafted to the Golden State Warriors with the 35th overall pick in the 2012 draft, Draymond Green has gone on to become one of the most gritty players in the league. In addition to being one of the most polarizing players on the Warriors roster, Green has won three NBA championships with the team, and was the 2017 NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Green's gritty determination in the paint has seen comparisons drawn to Dennis Rodman. What number does he wear?