Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 15
Next
Charlotte Hornets Kemba Walker (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Charlotte Hornets Kemba Walker (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Charlotte Hornets – Kemba Walker, #15

Kemba Walker spent the first eight seasons of his NBA career in Charlotte. He was a three-time NBA All-Star as a member of the Hornets. In 2019, he averaged a career-high 25.6 points per game.

Walker is the all-time leader in Hornets franchise history [MO5] in total points, minutes played, and three-point field goals made. He also ranks in the top-5 in assists, steals, and games played. “Cardiac” Kemba is arguably the best player in Hornets history and should be the second-ever Hornet to have his number hanging from the Spectrum Center.

Other Players in Consideration: Muggsy Bogues, Dell Curry, Gerald Wallace

Chicago Bulls – Derrick Rose, #1

Luol Deng is one of five players in Chicago Bulls franchise history to be a multi-time NBA All-Star AND score over 10,000 points. The jersey numbers of the other four hang in the United Center rafters.

Artis Gilmore and Chet Walker were multi-time All-Stars and are Hall-of-Famers. Gilmore is arguably the best center in the franchise’s history. Toni Kukoc and Dennis Rodman are also Hall-of-Famers who won rings as Chicago Bulls.

I think the Bulls could retire Derrick Rose’s number 1 next. Rose was a three-time NBA All-Star and the youngest MVP in NBA history. Injuries derailed his career and Rose is one of the league’s biggest “what-if” stories. Still, his first four pre-injury seasons were THAT special.

Other Players in Consideration: Luol Deng, Artis Gilmore, Toni Kukoc, Zach Lavine.