NBA Retired Jersey Numbers include Michael Jordan 33 for Chicago Bulls, Kobe Bryant 8 for LA Lakers, Bill Russell 6 for Boston Celtics, and more.
National Basketball Association has a history of retiring jersey numbers with many teams having multiple numbers adjourned. Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers are the only two teams without any retired jersey numbers as of 2023.
Every single retired jersey number, from Kobe Bryant's 8 to Michael Jordan's legendary number 23 has a great history of legacy attached to them.
Such retired numbers are not available for future players, but there have been cases where they have been put on with the former's permission.
Whatever the conditions, withdrawing a jersey number allows a team to pay tribute to one of its greatest players. It serves as a reminder of how the player has helped the team and the sport of basketball.
Atlanta Hawks Retired Numbers
- 9 - Bob Pettit
- 21 - Dominique Wilkins
- 23 - Lou Hudson
- 44 - Pete Maravich
- 55 - Dikembe Mutombo
- 59 - Kasim Reed
Atlanta Hawks have withdrawn some of the best NBA players' numbers including the likes of Dominique Wilkins, Dikembe Mutombo, and others.
Wilkins is known as one of the best small forwards in the history. Having spent 11 seasons with the Hawks, the franchise paid him the ultimate tribute of adjourning his shirt number on January 13, 2021.
Boston Celtics Retired Numbers
- 00 - Robert Parish
- 1 - Walter A. Brown
- 2 - Red Auerbach
- 5 - Kevin Garnett
- 6 - Bill Russell
- 24 - Sam Jones
Bill Russell is the best player to have had his number honored by the Boston Celtics. Over the course of his 13 seasons with the Celtics, Russell won 5 MVP honors and 11 NBA championships.
Brooklyn Nets Retired Numbers
- 3 - Drazen Petrovic
- 5 - Jason Kidd
- 23 - John Williamson
- 25 - Bill Melchionni
- 32 - Julius Erving
- 52 - Buck Williams
Julius Erving stands out as one of the greatest players in the Nets' history among these players. Erving led Brooklyn to two ABA titles while a member of the team from 1973 to 1976.
Charlotte Hornets Retired Numbers
- 13 - Bobby Phills
The number 13 of Bobby Phills, the only player in Charlotte Hornets history, is hanging in the rafters as a tribute. During his time in Charlotte, he was a fan favorite and well-known for his defensive prowess and ability for making clutch shots.
Chicago Bulls Retired Numbers
- 4 - Jerry Sloan
- 10 - Bob Love
- 23 - Michael Jordan
- 33 - Scottie Pippen
The greatest player in Bulls history is without a doubt Michael Jordan. MJ led the Bulls to six NBA titles while playing for them from 1984 to 1993 and then again from 1995 to 1998, winning five NBA MVP awards in the course of his career.
Cleveland Cavaliers Retired Numbers
- 7 - Bingo Smith
- 11 - Zydrunas Ilgauskas
- 22 - Larry Nance
- 25 - Mark Price
- 34 - Austin Carr
- 42 - Nate Thurmond
Nate Thurmond is the best player among the Cleveland Cavaliers' retired numbers. He was also selected for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team.
Dallas Mavericks Retired Numbers
- 12 - Derek Harper
- 15 - Brad Davis
- 22 - Rolando Blackman
- 41 - Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk Nowitzki was a notable figure for Dallas as the all-time leader in points, rebounds, field goals made, free throws made, and games played.
Denver Nuggets Retired Jersey Numbers
- 2 - Alex English
- 12 - Fat Lever
- 33 - David Thompson
- 40 - Bryon Beck
- 44 - Dan Issel
- 55 - Dikembo Mutombo
Alex English was an NBA All-Star eight times while playing for Denver Nuggets from 1980 to 1990. During that time, Alex guided the team to nine postseason appearances.
Detroit Pistons Retired Numbers
- 1 - Chauncey Billups
- 2 - Chuck Daly
- 3 - Ben Wallace
- 4 - Joe Dumars
- 10 - Dennis Rodman
- 11 - Isiah Thomas
Isiah Thomas is the Pistons' all-time leader in points, assists, steals, games played, and games started. He guided the Pistons to the NBA Finals in 1989 and 1990, where they won over the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers.
Golden State Warriors Retired Numbers
- 13 - Wilt Chamberlain
- 14 - Tom Meschery
- 16 - Al Attles
- 17 - Chris Mullin
- 24 - Rick Barry
- 42 - Nate Thurmond
Rick Barry competed for Golden State Warriors from 1965 to 1967 and then again from 1972 to 1978, helping the team win the NBA title in 1975 and earning MVP honors in the NBA Finals.
Houston Rockets Retired Numbers
- 11 - Yao Ming
- 22 - Clyde Drexler
- 23 - Calvin Murphy
- 24 - Moses Malone
- 34 - Hakeem Olajuwon
- 44 - Elvin Hayes
As a powerful center with the Rockets in 1994 and 1995, Hakeem Olajuwon, who played with the number 34, won two NBA titles. Hakeem was also chosen for both the All-Star and All-NBA teams 12 times.
Indiana Pacers Retired Numbers
- 30 - George McGinnis
- 31 - Reggie Miller
- 34 - Mel Daniels
- 35 - Roger Brown
Reggie Miller, who wore number 31, is the finest among the Indiana Pacers' retired numbers. Miller spent 18 seasons with Indiana in the league.
Los Angeles Lakers Retired Numbers
- 8 - Kobe Bryant
- 13 - Wilt Chamberlain
- 16 - Pau Gasol
- 22 -Elgin Baylor
- 34 - Shaquille O'Neal
- 42 - James Worthy
The only player to have two numbers retired by the LA Lakers is Kobe Bryant, the greatest player in team history. Late Kobe holds the record for most points scored by a Lakers player and is regarded as one of the best NBA players ever.
Memphis Grizzlies Retired Numbers
- 50 - Zach Randolph
Zach Randolph became a two-time All-Star and played for the Grizzlies for eight seasons, averaging 16.8 points and 10.2 rebounds each game. Zach played an important role on the "Grit and Grind" Grizzlies teams that reached the playoffs five times during his time.
Miami Heat Retired Numbers
- 1 - Chris Bosh
- 3 - Dwyane Wade
- 10 - Tim Hardaway
- 13 - Dan Marino
- 23 - Michael Jordan
- 32 - Shaquille O'Neal
- 33 - Alonzo Mourning
Dwayne Wade, the star player for Miami Heat, is regarded as one of the best shooting guards in NBA history. Wade played for the Heat for all of his 15-year career, averaging 23.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game.
Milwaukee Bucks Retired Numbers
- 1 - Oscar Robertson
- 2 - Junior Bridgeman
- 4 - Sidney Moncrief
- 8 - Marques Johnson
- 10 - Bob Dandridge
- 14 - Jon McGlocklin
- 16 - Bob Lanier
Oscar Robertson, a retired Milwaukee Bucks player, set a new NBA record by averaging a triple-double twice throughout a season. In 1979, Oscar was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Minnesota Timberwolves Retired Numbers
- 2 - Malik Sealy
Malik Sealy spent two playing with Minnesota Timberwolves and he averaged 10.1 points in 23.8 minutes per game throughout his NBA career. He was selected to the All-NBA Third Team in 1998 and was a two-time All-Star.
New Orleans Pelicans Retired Numbers
- 7 - Pete Maravich
Pete Maravich is the all-time greatest scorer in NCAA Division I with 3,667 total points and an average of 44.2 points per game. Maravich was regarded as one of the greatest offensive talents of all time and one of the finest ball handlers of all time.
Furthermore, 6 feet 5 inches tall Pete was one of the youngest players ever to be elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
New York Knicks Retired Numbers
- 10 - Walt Frazier
- 12 - Dick Barnett
- 15 - Earl Monroe
- 19 - Willis Reed
- 24 - Bill Bradley
- 33 - Patrick Ewing
The best player in New York Knicks history, Willis Reed, is one of only six players to have had their number retired by the team. Reed won the NBA Finals MVP award in 1970 and guided the Knicks to two NBA championships in 1970 and 1973.
Oklahoma City Thunder Retired Numbers
- 4 - Nick Collison
The Thunder retired Nick Collison's jersey number 4 in 2019. Nick is regarded as one of the best players ever to put on the Oklahoma jersey and among the most well-liked in the history of the franchise.
Orlando Magic Retired Numbers
- 6 - Sixth Man
Only the No. 6 jersey has been retired by the Orlando Magic in recognition of the team's support in 1999. The Amway Center's rafters will display the number 6, which stands for the fans, as a reminder of being there for the club.
Philadelphia 76ers Retired Numbers
- 2 - Moses Malone
- 3 - Allen Iverson
- 4 - Dolph Schayes
- 6 - Julius Erving
- 10 - Maurice Cheeks
- 24 - Bobby Jones
Julius Erving is the best player to have his number retired by the Philadelphia 76ers. Following his 1976 trade from the New York Nets, Erving spent 11 seasons with the 76ers.
Phoenix Suns Retired Numbers
- 5 - Dick Van Arsdale
- 6 - Walter Davis
- 7 - Kevin Johnson
- 42 - Connie Hawkins
- 44 - Paul Westphal
Connie Hawkins was a player for the Suns and was their top attraction. His contributions to Phoenix make him an appropriate pick to have his number withdrawn and be honored as one the greatest player in the franchise's history.
Portland Trail Blazers Retired Numbers
- 1 - Larry Weinberg
- 13 - Dave Twardzik
- 14 - Lionel Hollins
- 22 - Clyde Drexler
- 32 - Bill Walton
- 36 - Lloyd Neal
The Trail Blazers retired Bill Walton's number 32 jersey in 1984. Throughout his time with the Blazers, Walton was an explosive player averaging 19.7 points and 13.6 rebounds each game.
Sacramento Kings Retired Numbers
- 1 - Nate Archibald
- 2 - Mitch Richmond
- 4 - Chris Webber
- 11 - Bob Davies
- 12 - Maurice Stokes
- 14 - Oscar Robertson
Sacramento Kings were Chris Webber's main NBA team for the majority of his 15-year career. Webber and the Kings gained massive popularity in the league and became title contenders. He reached his highest level in the 2000–01 season averaging a career-high 27.1 points.
San Antonio Spurs Retired Numbers
- 00 - Johnny Moore
- 6 - Avery Johnson
- 9 - Tony Parker
- 12 - Bruce Bowen
- 13 - James Silas
- 20 - Manu Ginobili
Johnny Moore spent his entire NBA career as the San Antonio Spurs point guard. Moore had a field goal percentage of 46 and averaged 9.4 points, 7.4 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.96 steals a game over 520 games in his NBA career.
Seattle SuperSonics Retired Numbers
- 1 - Gus Williams
- 10 - Nate McMillan
- 19 - Lenny Wilkens
- 24 - Spencer Haywood
- 32 - Fred Brown
- 43 - Jack Sikma
Gus Williams won the NBA title in 1979 while playing for the Seattle SuperSonics. His career lasted 12 years, from 1975 to 1987, and ended it with an average scoring average of 17.1 points per game.
Utah Jazz Retired Numbers
- 1 - Frank Layden
- 4 - Adrian Dantley
- 7 - Pete Maravich
- 12 - John Stockton
- 14 - Jeff Hornacek
- 32 - Karl Malone
John Stockton is one of the best passer and point guards in the history of basketball. Stockton played his entire NBA career for the Utah Jazz, who qualified for the playoffs in each of his 19 seasons.
Washington Wizards Retired Numbers
- 10 - Earl Monroe
- 11 - Elvin Hayes
- 25 - Gus Johnson
- 41 - Wes Unseld
- 45 - Phil Chenier
Elvin Hayes is regarded as one of the best power forward in NBA history because of his skill on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court. The Big E is renowned for having missed just nine games throughout the course of his 16-year career.