Anthony Davis Ignites NBA Controversy by Reviving Michael Jordan's Iconic No. 23 for Washington Wizards
NBA superstar Anthony Davis finds himself at the center of yet another major controversy following his recent high-profile move to the Washington Wizards. This development comes just one year after his contentious departure from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Dallas Mavericks in early 2025, a blockbuster trade that sent Mavericks star Luka Dončić to Los Angeles in return.
The Controversial Jersey Choice That Divided Basketball Fans
In Washington, Davis has made the bold decision to wear jersey number 23, a number that has remained untouched by the franchise since basketball legend Michael Jordan's retirement from the team in 2003. This choice has rapidly sparked intense debate across social media platforms and sports communities, with fans expressing sharply divided opinions about the symbolism of reviving a number so intimately connected to one of the NBA's greatest icons.
The return of the iconic No. 23 marks a significant moment as Anthony Davis steps into the Washington legacy previously defined by Michael Jordan himself. Jordan joined the Washington Wizards in 2001 during the third remarkable comeback of his legendary career, following his initial retirement from the Chicago Bulls. During his tenure with the Wizards, Jordan appeared in nearly 140 games, maintaining impressive averages of 21.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game according to ESPN statistics.
Anthony Davis's Personal Connection to Number 23
Hailing from Chicago, ten-time NBA All-Star Anthony Davis has long expressed admiration for Michael Jordan's legacy. Davis actually wore jersey number 23 during his high school basketball career before entering the professional league as the first overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft with the New Orleans Pelicans.
According to multiple reports from prominent US media outlets, "The Brow"—as Davis is commonly known—has deliberately chosen to reclaim the No. 23 in Washington. This number has remained officially unused by the franchise since Jordan last wore it during his Wizards tenure from 2001 through 2003.
The Origin Story: How Michael Jordan's No. 23 Became Legendary
The significance of number 23 traces back to Michael Jordan's formative years and his relationship with his older brother, Larry Jordan. Larry, who also played professional basketball, wore jersey number 45 during his career. Watching his brother compete professionally ignited Jordan's own basketball ambitions and set the foundation for what would become one of the most celebrated careers in sports history.
When selecting his own jersey number, Jordan chose No. 23 as a meaningful tribute to this fraternal bond. He famously explained that since 23 represented roughly half of 45, he believed wearing it signified being "half as good" as his brother—a humble motivation that paradoxically drove him to achieve unprecedented greatness and create a legendary basketball legacy that continues to inspire generations of athletes.
