Many NBA players have made a few numbers iconic by wearing those jersey numbers in their careers. Jersey numbers like #24 or #23 almost instantly make us think about legendary players like Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and LeBron James.
It is quite obvious that these numbers hold a special place in the hearts of the fans. But have you wondered if there are any numbers that have never been worn by any player in history? Whatever be the reason, there are actually 12 numbers that have never been printed on a player’s jersey.
Reddit user u/whos-spamuel asked this question on the platform and it gave us the idea to jot down this piece. With that being said, the numbers that have never been worn by NBA players are – #58, #59, #64, #69, #74, #75, #78, #79, #80, #82, #87, #97.
While there is no particular reason for most of these numbers to be picked, there is a very obvious reason for the league never allowing a player to wear #69. In fact, former NBA star Dennis Rodman wanted to wear it when he joined the Dallas Mavericks, but the league did not fulfill his request.
The owner of the Dallas Mavericks, Mark Cuban, revealed he still has that jersey framed and keeps it in his office.
In fact, it is quite surprising that apart from #69 other numbers haven’t been worn. Since the other numbers have no other hidden meaning or a weird number at the end.
Speaking of some of the most worn jersey numbers #12, #11, and #5 are on top of the pile. 409 players have worn #12, followed by 373 players who donned #11, and at third place is #5, which has been worn by 348 players.
Thinking of the most iconic number, it has to be #23. Michael Jordan and LeBron James are two of the best players to wear it and the two have been competing for the title of the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) for several years now.
What are your thoughts on this? Feel free to share your views about the 12 numbers never been worn by NBA players.
Stats via Basketball Reference
