NBA Players Jersey Number: A jersey number is something that many NBA basketball players have with them for the duration of their careers. They wear the same number throughout their basketball careers, beginning in middle school or even earlier. As a result, these numbers become famous and associated with the players that wear them for a large number of NBA heroes.
There are 54 distinct jersey numbers in use as of 2023–2024, and at least one player sports them all. The NBA players who now wear certain jersey numbers better than anybody else in the league are listed below, number by number, along with the players who have started to iconic those numbers in their own unique ways.
Top NBA Players of 2023–24, Sorted by Jersey Number
The top NBA players for the 2023–24 season are listed by jersey number.
No. 00 – Jordan Clarkson
The famous double zero, worn by seven NBA players in 2023–24, is the first jersey number up. Even though each of the seven has excelled in their respective positions for their clubs, none of them have outlasted Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz, who has held the 00 for the longest.
From his arrival in Utah for the 2019–20 season, Clarkson has worn No. 00. Clarkson went from being the previous Sixth Man of the Year winner to a full-time starter in 2023–2024 over that span. Following his move to a full-time starting position at shooting guard the previous season, Clarkson has started 15 of the 16 games for the Jazz this year.
With 16 games played this season, Clarkson has averaged 18.3 points and 4.9 assists per game for the 6-11 Jazz, who are still rebuilding after losing franchise leaders Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert in the summer of 2022. With 5.8 attempts, Clarkson is shooting just 31.2% from three, ranking second on the team in scoring behind Lauri Markkanen. His total field goal percentage is 41.4%.
No. 0 – Jayson Tatum
Many NBA luminaries, both past and present, as well as future Hall of Famers, have always coveted the No. 0 pick. There are now 22 NBA players in 2023–24 who wear the No. 0 jersey, including four players who might be this season’s All-Stars.
Only one player, Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics, has worn No. 0 this season and has consistently been a candidate for MVP honours. Tatum has also put his club in a position to contend for an NBA title in the last several seasons. Since joining the NBA in 2017, Tatum has worn the No. 0 jersey, and in 2023–2024, he will likely continue to dominate while donning the number.
With a 12–4 start and first-place standings in the Eastern Conference in 2023–24, Tatum has guided the Celtics to an incredible start. With 16 games played, he leads Boston in scoring and rebounds, averaging 27.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per contest. During this period, he is also shooting 36.5% from three and 49.8% from the field overall, setting up Boston for yet another run at the Eastern Conference Finals. But this season, their attention is on a far greater prize.
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No. 1 – Devin Booker
There are 21 players in the NBA right now that wear number one. After being traded to a team where his number, 13, was already taken, veterans like James Harden have changed to one. The number is also worn by Zion Williamson, LaMelo Ball, and Victor Wembanyama, three other emerging talents in the league.
Devin Booker is the only player who can legitimately claim to be the best player wearing the number right now, despite the competition being quite strong for the title of best player wearing one. Booker had health issues to start the much-awaited 2023–24 Phoenix Suns season. It’s all been good news since Booker came back; the Suns have also rediscovered their stride.
Booker has made a comeback to help the Suns to a 10-6 record, averaging 29.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game, after missing eight games at the start of the season. Including 45.2% from three on 5.3 attempts, he is shooting an incredible 51.5% from the field overall. With Booker in the starting lineup, the Suns have now won seven straight games and are now tied for third place in the Western Conference.
No. 2 – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
In 2023–24, 17 players wore number two, but only two could legitimately claim the title of best. Even if Kawhi Leonard would have been the player we chose in any other season, Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander takes first place in 2023–2024.
Gilgeous-Alexander has flawlessly carried over the momentum from last season when he was selected as an All-Star and an NBA First Team member. He has averaged 30.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and an NBA-high 2.3 steals per game in 15 games played this season. Additionally, Gilgeous-Alexander is shooting 93.7% from the foul line, 36.4% from three, and 53.4% from the field overall.
Although few predicted Oklahoma City’s ascent to occur as early as 2023–2024, many were aware that it was inevitable, and Gilgeous–Alexander’s youthful core may be prepared for the following phase. They are now second in the Western Conference with an 11-5 record for the season.
No. 3 – Anthony Davis
The number three, worn by NBA icons like Allen Iverson, Dwyane Wade, and previous World visitor Dale Ellis, is among the most recognisable numbers in NBA history. There are 19 players in 2023–24 with their numbers shown on both sides of their jerseys, but only one stands out from the others.
Anthony Davis, who is leading the Lakers in 2023–24, is having a fantastic start to the season, despite the requests for him to be more assertive. He averages 21.8 points, 12.1 rebounds, 1.1 steals, 2.8 blocks, and is now in the running for the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award.
Even though Davis has previously faced criticism for events beyond his control, like injury and exhaustion, he still has an impact on the Lakers every time he is on the floor. After 17 games in 2023–24, the Lakers are 10–7 and currently sit in eighth place in the Western Conference. With time, that standing might significantly improve if Davis can stay healthy and maintain his position as the defense’s cornerstone.
No. 4 – Jrue Holiday
Three young talents—Evan Mobley of the Cavaliers, Jalen Green of the Rockets, and Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors—have vied to be the best player to wear No. 4 this season. Despite how well each of them has started the season, I’m not quite ready to hand them full control of the number four spot just yet.
The seasoned Jrue Holiday, who has been a welcome addition to the Boston Celtics leading the league early in the season, still has that honour. In addition to his outstanding perimeter defence, Holiday has greatly aided the Celtics in his first season there, helping them field the strongest starting lineup in the NBA.
Holiday is averaging 12.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game in 15 games, all of which he has started. Despite having the same jersey number as the other three nominees, he has had a far bigger influence because of their current position atop the East and his defensive play, which goes beyond simple thefts and blocks.
No. 5 – Anthony Edwards
For the 2023–24 season, number five is yet another elite jersey number. Five players, out of a total of 24, might have All-Star seasons. Of all our honourable mentions, De’Aaron Fox perhaps has the strongest case, but Fred VanVleet and Paolo Banchero are also enjoying seasons that merit recognition.
Having said that, Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves is the sole choice for the best player to wear No. 5 today. One year after earning his first All-Star appearance in 2022–23, Edwards is off to a fantastic start in 2023–24. Thanks to Edwards’ 26.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, the Timberwolves are now leading the Western Conference.
With Minnesota, Edwards has taken on a leadership role, and the other players have followed him into battle. Even though he can have offensive slumps occasionally, he still shoots 46.1% from the field overall and 37.5% from three, and he also contributes greatly to the defence of the rim.
No. 6 – Alex Caruso
Caruso, who has been a bright spot off the bench for Chicago despite the team’s terrible start to the season, is the subject of trade rumours. With 15 games played, he is now averaging 9.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. Caruso is a passionate player with heart and defensive grit deserving of a major role on any team that is fortunate enough to get him. The moment will come when we witness him with a genuine contender this season.
No. 7 – Jaylen Brown
In the NBA in 2023-24, there are currently 18 players who wear the number seven. Of those 18 players, the battle for the best truly lies in the top two between a veteran out of Boston and a super rookie out of Oklahoma City. While Chet Holmgren has impressed and taken control of the Rookie of the Year race for now, Jaylen Brown once again is the correct choice for the best player to wear this number.
Brown is in his eighth season with the Boston Celtics in 2023-24, and still in hot pursuit of the elusive NBA championship trophy that has slipped through his fingers the last few seasons. Brown was rewarded by the Celtics this last offseason with the largest deal in NBA history worth $304 million over the next five seasons starting in 2024-25.
As the Celtics are leading the Eastern Conference with a 12-4 record, Brown has been one of the finest second options in the NBA thus far in 2023–24 alongside Jayson Tatum. This season, Brown has made 15 starts and is averaging 21.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. In addition, on 7.1 shots, he is hitting 34.6% from three-point range and 44.4% from the field overall.
No. 8 – Kristaps Porzingis
The fact that 21 players will wear the number eight this season is rather astounding. Even though a lot of players wore Kobe Bryant’s original number, only two NBA players in 2023–2024 can legitimately call themselves the finest No. 8s. This award will go to Kristaps Porzingis for the 2023–24 season because of all the turmoil surrounding Zach LaVine at the moment, which includes trade rumours and his obvious dissatisfaction with his present circumstances with the failing Bulls.
After being acquired by the Boston Celtics in a sign-and-trade earlier this summer, Porzingis is in his debut season in the NBA. Despite his current injury, Porzingis has been a fantastic acquisition for Boston, helping them secure the top place in the Eastern Conference with a 12-4 record through 16 games.
After 15 games, Porzingis has averaged 18.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and 32.4% shooting from three-point range. His shooting percentage is 54.7% overall. For Boston’s frontcourt, which has historically battled immensely to generate output, Porzingis has been a breath of new air offensively. Boston, one of the top teams in the NBA, is advancing in their pursuit of an NBA title with Porzingis starting for them.
No. 9 – Nikola Vucevic
Nineteen players are attempting to wear the number nine this season, making it another popular choice in 2023–24. Of those eighteen players, just four—Dillon Brooks, RJ Barrett, and Derrick White—have a strong case to be ranked as the greatest. Even though all of those players have been reliable and valuable to their clubs, Chicago Bulls veteran Nikola Vucevic still holds the title of ninth-best player.
This season, Vucevic has started every one of the Bulls’ 17 games and is averaging 16.4 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, good for a triple-double for the third year in a row. The Bulls are a completely different team now, but one thing that has remained consistent throughout is Vucevic’s readiness to play at a high level.
Given that the Bulls appear to be moving towards a rebuild before the trade deadline, it is unknown if Vucevic will be traded after agreeing to a $60 million contract to stay in Chicago until 2025–2026. If Vucevic becomes available, he will undoubtedly be in high demand, but as of right now, every indication is that he will stay in Chicago.
No. 10 – Domantas Sabonis
One of the top big players in the NBA, Domantas Sabonis has been with the Sacramento Kings since the 2021–22 trade deadline. He was named an All-Star and an All-NBA Team in 2022–2023 after leading the league in rebounding and assisting the team in ending their 17–year postseason drought. In 2023–2024, he will continue to rule supremely.
The Kings are now 9-6 and in sixth place in the West after 15 games this season. Sabonis has shot 62.0% from the field and just 63.4% from the foul line while averaging 19.9 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game. As one of the top duos in the NBA for the 2023–24 season, Sabonis and colleague De’Aaron Fox have the squad ready for another thrilling postseason run.
No. 11 – Kyrie Irving
The NBA players number eleven is the most star-studded jersey number in 2023–2024. Future All-Stars like Jalen Brunson and Jaime Jaquez Jr. also wear the number for their respective teams, while former All-Stars like DeMar DeRozan, Trae Young, and Klay Thompson continue to wear it. While they’re all deserving of a spot on our list as the No. 11 player, only one of them has shown a stronger argument.
The Dallas Mavericks have had an incredible start to the 2023–24 season thanks to Kyrie Irving, who was acquired in a deal with the franchise last season. For the 10-6 Mavericks this season, Irving has appeared in 13 of 16 games and averaged 24.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per contest.
Seeing Irving eager to collaborate with superstar Luka Donic has been encouraging for Mavericks supporters, who are still in shock at missing the playoffs the previous year. Together, the two have given them cause for optimism, particularly because of Irving’s performance thus far.
No. 12 – Tobias Harris
It is a little disappointing in terms of the star power of the No. 12 in 2023–2024. Ja Morant would have been an obvious pick in this situation, but his absence from action owing to a 25-game suspension in 2023–24 has removed him from consideration for the time being. This season, 12 players will wear the number, although none of them have yet to show any discernible All-Star ability. The top role players for their respective teams must be considered when determining which player should wear number 12, and the Philadelphia 76ers’ No. 12 is the obvious choice.
Tobias Harris, who received criticism for his excessively large NBA deal for years, is off to a fantastic start in the 2023–24 season. Harris is shooting 52.7% from the field and averaging 18.6 points and 6.2 rebounds per game in 16 games. The Sixers can now easily sit at 12-5 on the season in fourth place in the Eastern Conference rankings after he posted some of his greatest results since the 2020–21 campaign.
No. 13 – Bam Adebayo
Bam Adebayo is chosen as the best player to wear No. 13 above players like Paul George and Jaren Jackson Jr., which is one of the list’s early surprises. Although George has scored more goals than Adebayo, there is no question who has contributed more to the victory by playing better in other areas of the game.
Currently sitting in sixth place in the East, Adebayo and the Miami Heat have a 10-7 record on the year. With a career-high 22.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game, Bam is having one of his best seasons to date. With a defensive game deserving of Defensive Player of the Year consideration, he is on his way to being selected for his second consecutive All-Star team.
Bam Adebayo is the obvious pick as the best player wearing number 13 at this time of the season.
No. 14 – Brandon Ingram
Ironically, just two NBA players are up for contention as the team’s top player despite the fact that 14 players will be wearing the No. 14 jersey in 2023–2024. After 14 games this season, Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans has emerged as the clear favourite. He is an all-around offensive weapon.
The Pelicans have three victories in their previous five games and are 9-9 through 18 games, enough for ninth place in the Western Conference. After 14 games, Ingram has averaged 24.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.1 assists, while shooting 29.4% from three-point range and 50.2% from the field. As one of only three players on the club averaging more than 20.0 points per game this season, Ingram leads the Pelicans in scoring.
The Pelicans will once again be in the middle of the Western Conference playoff race, with the opportunity to create some noise come postseason time, if Ingram can play at a level that warrants consideration for an All-Star team.
No. 15 – Nikola Jokic
Among all the options on our list, the No. 15 is among the simplest. The No. 15 belongs to one person in 2023–2024 and for many, many years to come, even though it is worn by eight other players. That guy is Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, the current MVP of the Finals and a two-time MVP, who is widely regarded as the finest player in the world.
Jokic is still the simplest pick on this list, even if we ignore the incredible championship run he and the Nuggets had the previous season. With 28.8 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game for the 11-6 Denver Nuggets, who are now fourth in the Western Conference, Jokic is off to another MVP-caliber start to his 2023–24 season.
For the Nuggets, who lost Jamal Murray to injury earlier this month, Jokic has once again raised his game in the face of difficulty, promising to play until at least the end of November. Nevertheless, Jokic has assumed charge of the offence and, if he keeps mauling other defences and the Nuggets keep winning, he is barreling towards his third career MVP title.
