| Numbers game: Who has worn No. 23 the longest? |
| Updated 11/17/2009 4:35 PM ET |
But what was he thinking? No. 6 was worn by Hall of Famer Bill Russell, whose Boston Celtics teams won 11 NBA titles in 13 seasons, and hoops legend Julius "Dr. J" Erving, another Hall of Fame player.
A league-wide retirement of Jordan's number is unlikely. NBA spokesman Tim Frank says "retiring a player's number is a decision that has to be made by the teams" and not the league.
The move isn't unprecedented. Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant changed his jersey number from 8 to 24 for the 2006-07 season, which created new ventures for revenue.
Current players who have worn No. 23 the longest:
Others: Lou Williams, Philadelphia; Martell Webster, Portland; Toney Douglas, New York; Stephen Graham, Charlotte; Wesley Matthews, Utah; Jodie Meeks, Milwaukee; B.J. Mullens, Oklahoma City; C.J. Watson, Golden State
| Posted 11/17/2009 3:43 PM ET | |
| Updated 11/17/2009 4:35 PM ET | |
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