Anthony Davis will wear the No. 23 jersey for the Washington Wizards, a number that carries unique significance in franchise history.
The 10-time NBA All-Star is set to return to No. 23 following his trade to Washington from the Dallas Mavericks, a decision that immediately drew attention because of its association with Michael Jordan.
Advertisement
Jordan famously wore the number during his final NBA stint with the Wizards, making it one of the most recognisable jerseys in the organisation’s history.
Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images
Anthony Davis returns to No. 23
Anthony Davis is no stranger to the No. 23 jersey, having worn it throughout high school and during his time with the New Orleans Pelicans.
He later switched to No. 3 with the Los Angeles Lakers and continued with that number during his brief spell with the Mavericks.
Davis played 29 games in Dallas before being traded again ahead of the deadline, making his move to Washington another transition in a turbulent stretch of his career.
Advertisement
Now with the Wizards, the decision to reclaim No. 23 signals a symbolic reset as he joins a team entering a new phase of its rebuild.
Michael Jordan legacy adds weight to jersey choice
The No. 23 jersey holds a rare place in Wizards history because it was last worn by Michael Jordan during his comeback seasons from 2001 to 2003.
Jordan’s time in Washington represented the final chapter of his Hall of Fame career after his dynasty years with the Chicago Bulls.
Davis grew up in Chicago during Jordan’s dominance in the 1990s, adding another layer of context to his decision to take on the number.
While the situations are very different, wearing No. 23 ensures attention and inevitable comparisons as Davis begins his Wizards chapter with one of basketball’s most iconic numbers.
Advertisement
Read more: