NBA Uniform Number Rules: Basketball Jersey Number Rules
When a new player is drafted into the NBA, one of the first things he has to do is pick a new jersey number. Many prefer to keep the same number as they had in school, but that is not always available. Sometimes a teammate will already have the number, while other uniform numbers are retired or are honored by the league or team.
Below we explore what rules and traditions surround picking NBA numbers, showing just what goes in to each player's selection.
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Guidelines for Recognising an NBA Jersey Number
The NBA has rules and processes around the selection of jersey numbers. Players are free to choose their own jersey numbers, though the selection is limited by availability and team or NBA rules.
A player must carefully review team and NBA rules before making a jersey number selection.
Current NBA Jersey Rules
- Jersey numbers must be no more than two digits, leaving them to select between 0-99
- All numbers between 0-99 are available to use as long as they are not retired or in use by a teammate
- An authorization request must be submitted to use a number that a team has either retired or restricted in honor of a former player.
- The NBA prohibits the use of the number 69 on player uniforms.
- The player's number must be apparent from both sides and behind the jersey.
- The number should be printed solid, showing the shirt's base color.
- A player's last name must always be displayed at least 2 inches tall on the back of their jersey.
Restrictions on number of former players
Many teams have a "ring of honor" where they retire the numbers of their greatest players. Once a number is retired, it will no longer be available for a player to select going forward. This means that a new Bulls player would not be able to wear the number 23, as it was retired to honor Michael Jordan.
There are some instances where a player can get permission from the team and former player to use the number, but it is extremely rare.
How Players Chose a Number
Many different factors go into a player selecting their NBA jersey number.
The first is what their number was in college or high school. Those who reach the NBA often have a superstition about the number they use, wanting to keep it consistent throughout their career. This can lead players to pay others to secure their jersey numbers.
In this era of NIL, a player's number in school can also be a part of their brand before entering the NBA.
Another factor could be an important date or memory that the number represents. For instance, Gilbert Arenas was famous for wearing #0 to remember those who told him he would never amount to anything.
Jersey Number with Two Digits
The NBA restricts jersey numbers to a maximum of two digits, meaning a player in the NBA cannot wear a jersey with a number higher than 99 or lower than 0.
Former Player's Number
While a former player's number may not be retired, teams may limit its use to honor former fan favorites.
While this keeps most players from pursuing those numbers, it does allow some to get permission to use it. This can involve anything from a simple phone call to a cash offer.
As long as the team and former player give the OK, the honored number may be used.
Wearing the Specific Jersey Number
Unlike the NFL, the NBA does not assign numbers based on positions. That means players can choose from any available number regardless of their official position.
With far fewer players on the court and no restrictions on where they can play, referees do not need to rely on numbers to establish which player should be where.
Not Allowed to Wear Jersey Number 69
The one firm rule in regard to numbers is that 69 is not allowed. Dennis Rodman once claimed the number, but backslash from fans over its racy background resulted in the NBA forcing him to change.
Freedom to Change Numbers
While it is rare, some NBA players will choose to change their jersey number during their careers. This can be done to attempt to break out of a slump or even to improve their off-the-court marketing strategies.
Two of the most famous examples come from Lebron James and Kobe Bryant, who changed numbers at the height of their careers.
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Final Thoughts
While the NBA does place some limits on jersey number selections, players still have plenty to choose from. The NBA's jersey number policy has paved the way for number selection to be the easiest among pro sports.
What are some of your most iconic jersey numbers? Drop a comment below and let us know!