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NBA: Predicting the next jersey number to be retired by all 30 teams

By Manolis Olandezos

DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Former Dallas Mavericks player Dirk Nowitzki looks on with his wife, Jessica Olsson, as the Dallas Mavericks raise a banner while retiring his No. 41 jersey at American Airlines Center on January 05, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Former Dallas Mavericks player Dirk Nowitzki looks on with his wife, Jessica Olsson, as the Dallas Mavericks raise a banner while retiring his No. 41 jersey at American Airlines Center on January 05, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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Predicting the next jersey number to be retired by each of the 30 NBA teams

The Phoenix Suns announced last week that they plan to induct Shawn Marion and Amare Stoudemire into the team’s Ring of Honor.  That also means that the Suns will be retiring Marion’s #31 and Stoudemire’s #32 uniform numbers as well.

Raising a player’s number to the rafters is a tremendous honor. It means that the player had a memorable career and was one of the greatest ever to wear that team’s uniform. No other player will ever wear numbers 31 and 32 for the Suns again.

The Suns’ announcement got me thinking. Who will have their jersey number retired next for each NBA team?

I decided to make a list of the next players who I think either will or deserve to have their jersey number hanging from each NBA team’s rafters. Some choices are obvious, but others may surprise you.

Predicting the next jersey number to be retired by all 30 NBA teams

Atlanta Hawks – John Drew, #22

The late John Drew played for the Atlanta Hawks from 1974-82. He was a two-time NBA All-Star and averaged 21.2 points and 7.5 rebounds in 595 career games with the Hawks. Drew is arguably one of the best five players in the team’s history.

The 6-6 swingman was a talented scorer and had a knack for the offensive glass. He still ranks in the top-5 in Atlanta Hawks history in career points, field goals, steals, and offensive rebounds.

Unfortunately, Drew was the first player banned from the NBA for drug use but eventually overcame his cocaine addiction. That could be why his number hasn’t been retired by the team. It may be controversial, but John Drew’s #22 should be raised to the rafters of State Farm Arena.

Other Players in Consideration: Al Horford, Joe Johnson, Kevin Willis, Trae Young