How Does An NBA Player Get Their Jersey Retired?
How Does An NBA Player Get Their Jersey Retired? Every basketball fan knows that when a player’s jersey is retired, it’s a sign of respect and appreciation for their on-court accomplishments. But how exactly does a player get to have their jersey number hung in the rafters? Today, we’ll be looking at the criteria that must be met before an NBA team will consider retiring a player’s jersey.
A jersey retirement is a significant honor bestowed upon the most elite players in sports. It’s an acknowledgment of their exemplary performance over years, and recognition for making lasting contributions to their team or league as a whole – from game-winning plays on the court through postseason dominance. Player excellence determines whether they’ll have this deserving privilege become part of history.
The Criteria for Jersey Retirement
Retiring a jersey is one of the highest honors an NBA player can receive, symbolizing the player’s exceptional contributions to the team and the sport. While there are no hard and fast rules for what constitutes retirement-worthy performance, most teams look for several key criteria before making the decision to retire a jersey number. These include:
- Individual Accomplishments: A player’s personal achievements, such as MVP awards, All-Star selections, scoring titles, or other individual accolades, can significantly contribute to their case for jersey retirement. These honors demonstrate the player’s exceptional skill and impact on the game.
- Team Success: A player who has contributed to the team’s success, such as winning championships, conference titles, or division titles, is more likely to have their jersey retired. Their performance in crucial moments and the playoffs can also be a determining factor.
- Longevity with the Team: As previously mentioned, the length of a player’s tenure with a single franchise plays a critical role in the decision to retire their jersey. A long-term commitment to the team demonstrates loyalty, dedication, and a deep connection with the community.
- Leadership Qualities: A player who has displayed strong leadership on and off the court is more likely to be considered for jersey retirement. This can include captaining the team, mentoring younger players, and fostering a positive team culture.
- Community Involvement: A player’s off-court contributions to the local community can also factor into the decision to retire their jersey. This may include charitable work, community outreach, or other efforts that demonstrate the player’s commitment to making a positive impact beyond basketball.
- Franchise Records and Milestones: Setting franchise records or achieving significant milestones with the team can bolster a player’s case for having their jersey retired. These accomplishments help to solidify the player’s place in the team’s history and showcase their exceptional talent.
- Fan Impact and Popularity: A player’s popularity among the fanbase and their ability to draw crowds and generate excitement can also influence the decision to retire their jersey. Players who have become fan favorites and are synonymous with the team’s identity are more likely to receive this honor.
Length of Service
Teams are often hesitant to retire a player’s jersey, as this honor is reserved for those who have made a significant impact on the franchise and left a lasting legacy. One crucial factor that organizations consider when making this decision is the longevity of a player’s tenure with the team. The lengthier an athlete’s connection with one particular franchise, such as five years or more, the higher the chance their number will be retired and hung in honor over generations.
A long-term commitment to a single team demonstrates a player’s loyalty and dedication, which are highly valued by both the organization and its fans. This extended period also allows the player to establish a deep connection with the community and create memorable moments on and off the court. As a result, their contributions become an integral part of the team’s history and identity, making them a prime candidate for having their jersey retired.
In addition to the length of a player’s tenure, other factors that contribute to the decision to retire a jersey include individual and team accomplishments, leadership qualities, and the player’s impact on the franchise’s success. For example, winning championships, earning MVP awards, or setting franchise records can significantly increase the likelihood of a player’s jersey being retired.
Furthermore, a player who serves as a positive role model, consistently demonstrates exceptional sportsmanship, and actively contributes to the community is more likely to be honored in this way. These qualities help to strengthen the bond between the player, the team, and the fans, making their jersey retirement a celebration of not only their on-court achievements but also their off-court contributions.
In conclusion, the decision to retire a player’s jersey is not taken lightly by teams, as it is a significant honor reserved for those who have left an indelible mark on the franchise. Longevity with the team is a crucial factor in this decision, as a lengthy tenure demonstrates loyalty, dedication, and a deep connection with the community. Alongside other factors, such as individual and team accomplishments, leadership qualities, and off-court contributions, the length of a player’s time with a franchise plays a critical role in determining whether their jersey will be retired and celebrated for generations to come.
Achievements
Winning championships and individual awards play a significant role in determining whether a player’s jersey will be retired by their team. This prestigious honor is reserved for those who have made exceptional contributions to their franchise, both on and off the court. Retiring a jersey is a way for the organization and fans to recognize and celebrate the achievements and legacy of a player who has left an indelible mark on the team’s history.
LeBron James, for instance, had an illustrious career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, earning numerous accolades and solidifying his status as one of the all-time greats. During his time with the Cavaliers, LeBron was named NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) four times, showcasing his dominance and impact on the game. This remarkable feat, along with his role in bringing a championship to Cleveland in 2016, makes him a prime candidate for having his jersey retired by the organization. When the time comes, LeBron’s jersey will likely hang in the rafters alongside other Cavalier legends like Mark Price and Brad Daugherty.
In addition to championships and individual awards, other factors that contribute to a player’s jersey retirement include their tenure with the team, leadership qualities, community involvement, and overall impact on the franchise. Teams often take these factors into account when deciding to honor a player in this way, ensuring that only the most deserving individuals receive this recognition.
In conclusion, the retirement of a player’s jersey is a significant honor that acknowledges their exceptional career and contributions to a franchise. Championships and individual awards, such as those earned by LeBron James during his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers, play a vital role in determining whether a player’s jersey will be retired. This honor serves as a lasting tribute to the player’s legacy and impact on the team, ensuring their accomplishments are remembered and celebrated for generations to come.
Team Impact
The impact that a player has on their team is a significant factor when deciding whether or not to retire their jersey number. Players who lead their teams to multiple championships or playoff appearances are often looked upon favorably by fans, which can help cement their legacy as one of the all-time greats in franchise history. Furthermore, players who are known for their leadership qualities, sportsmanship, and dedication to their team’s success also contribute to the decision-making process. These players often become the heart and soul of their team, inspiring teammates and fans alike with their passion for the game.
Individual Achievements and Records
In addition to their impact on the team, players who achieve exceptional individual accomplishments throughout their careers are more likely to have their jersey numbers retired. These achievements can include setting franchise or league records, winning multiple MVP awards, or being named to numerous All-Star teams. Such accolades showcase a player’s extraordinary talent and skill, setting them apart from the rest of the league and making them prime candidate for jersey retirement.
Off-Court Contributions and Character
A player’s off-court contributions and character also play a crucial role in the decision to retire their jersey number. Players who are actively involved in their communities, engage in philanthropic endeavors and demonstrate a strong commitment to social issues can leave a lasting legacy that extends beyond their on-court performance. Additionally, players who exhibit exemplary sportsmanship, professionalism, and integrity throughout their careers are more likely to be considered for this honor, as they represent the values and ideals that teams and fans hold in high regard.
Respect from Fellow Players
Another important aspect that teams consider when contemplating retired jerseys is the level of respect a player has earned from fellow players around the league. If a player is consistently praised by their peers for their talent, work ethic, and sportsmanship, it’s likely they’ll earn enough respect from fans and management alike to have their jerseys retired after they leave the league.
Conclusion
Retiring an NBA player’s jersey is a prestigious honor that requires extraordinary achievements both on and off the court, as well as a lasting impact on the team and the sport as a whole. Players must demonstrate exceptional skill, dedication, and character over an extended period of time to reach such lofty heights of success. If any current or former NBA stars manage to meet these criteria, they can expect to see their name enshrined among some of basketball’s greatest players for generations to come, immortalizing their contributions to the game and the legacy they leave behind.
Complete List of Retired NBA Jerseys
| Jersey Number | Name | Franchise | Years with franchise | Position |
| 9 | Bob Pettit | Atlanta Hawks | 1954–1965 | Forward |
| 21 | Dominique Wilkins | Atlanta Hawks | 1982–1994 | Forward |
| 23 | Lou Hudson | Atlanta Hawks | 1966–1977 | Forward |
| 44 | Pete Maravich | Atlanta Hawks | 1970–1974 | Guard |
| 55 | Dikembe Mutombo | Atlanta Hawks | 1996–2001 | Center |
| 59 | Kasim Reed | Atlanta Hawks | 2010–2018 | 59th Mayor |
| — | Ted Turner | Atlanta Hawks | 1977–2001 | Owner |
| 0 | Robert Parish | Boston Celtics | 1980–1994 | Center |
| 1 | Walter A. Brown | Boston Celtics | 1946–1964 | Founder |
| 2 | Red Auerbach | Boston Celtics | 1950–2006 | Legend |
| 3 | Dennis Johnson | Boston Celtics | 1983–1990 | Guard |
| 5 | Kevin Garnett | Boston Celtics | 2007–2013 | Forward |
| 6 | Bill Russell | Boston Celtics | 1956–1969 | Center |
| 10 | Jo Jo White | Boston Celtics | 1969–1979 | Guard |
| 14 | Bob Cousy | Boston Celtics | 1950–1963 | Guard |
| 15 | Tom Heinsohn | Boston Celtics | 1956–1965 | Forward |
| 16 | Satch Sanders | Boston Celtics | 1960–1973 | Forward |
| 17 | John Havlicek | Boston Celtics | 1962–1978 | Forward |
| 18 | Dave Cowens | Boston Celtics | 1970–1980 | Center |
| 19 | Don Nelson | Boston Celtics | 1965–1976 | Forward |
| 21 | Bill Sharman | Boston Celtics | 1951–1961 | Guard |
| 22 | Ed Macauley | Boston Celtics | 1950–1956 | Center |
| 23 | Frank Ramsey | Boston Celtics | 1954–1964 | Forward |
| 24 | Sam Jones | Boston Celtics | 1957–1969 | Guard |
| 25 | K. C. Jones | Boston Celtics | 1958–1967 | Guard |
| 31 | Cedric Maxwell | Boston Celtics | 1977–1985 | Forward |
| 32 | Kevin McHale | Boston Celtics | 1980–1993 | Forward |
| 33 | Larry Bird | Boston Celtics | 1979–1992 | Forward |
| 34 | Paul Pierce | Boston Celtics | 1998–2013 | Forward |
| 35 | Reggie Lewis | Boston Celtics | 1987–1993 | Guard |
| LOSCY | Jim Loscutoff | Boston Celtics | 1955–1964 | Forward |
| Johnny Most | Boston Celtics | 1953–1990 | Broadcaster | |
| 3 | Dražen Petrović | Brooklyn Nets | 1991–1993 | Guard |
| 5 | Jason Kidd | Brooklyn Nets | 2001–2008 | Guard |
| 23 | John Williamson | Brooklyn Nets | 1973–1980 | Guard |
| 25 | Bill Melchionni | Brooklyn Nets | 1969–1976 | Guard |
| 32 | Julius Erving | Brooklyn Nets | 1973–1976 | Forward |
| 52 | Buck Williams | Brooklyn Nets | 1981–1989 | Forward |
| 13 | Bobby Phills | Charlotte Hornets | 1997–2000 | Guard |
| 4 | Jerry Sloan | Chicago Bulls | 1966–1976 | Guard |
| 10 | Bob Love | Chicago Bulls | 1968–1976 | Forward |
| 23 | Michael Jordan | Chicago Bulls | 1984–1993 1995–1998 |
Guard |
| 33 | Scottie Pippen | Chicago Bulls | 1987–1998 2003–2004 |
Forward |
| — | Phil Jackson[2] | Chicago Bulls | 1989–1998 | Head Coach |
| — | Jerry Krause[2] | Chicago Bulls | 1985–2003 | GM |
| 7 | Bingo Smith | Cleveland Cavaliers | 1970–1979 | Forward |
| 11 | Zydrunas Ilgauskas | Cleveland Cavaliers | 1997–2010 | Center |
| 22 | Larry Nance | Cleveland Cavaliers | 1988–1994 | Forward |
| 25 | Mark Price | Cleveland Cavaliers | 1986–1995 | Guard |
| 34 | Austin Carr | Cleveland Cavaliers | 1971–1980 | Guard |
| 42 | Nate Thurmond | Cleveland Cavaliers | 1975–1977 | Center |
| 43 | Brad Daugherty | Cleveland Cavaliers | 1986–1994 | Center |
| Joe Tait | Cleveland Cavaliers | 1970–1981 1983–2011 |
Broadcaster | |
| 12 | Derek Harper | Dallas Mavericks | 1983–1994 1996–1997 |
Guard |
| 15 | Brad Davis | Dallas Mavericks | 1980–1992 | Guard |
| 22 | Rolando Blackman | Dallas Mavericks | 1981–1992 | Guard |
| 41 | Dirk Nowitzki | Dallas Mavericks | 1998–2019 | Forward |
| 2 | Alex English | Denver Nuggets | 1980–1990 | Forward |
| 12 | Fat Lever | Denver Nuggets | 1984–1990 | Guard |
| 33 | David Thompson | Denver Nuggets | 1975–1982 | Forward |
| 40 | Byron Beck | Denver Nuggets | 1967–1977 | Center |
| 44 | Dan Issel | Denver Nuggets | 1975–1985 | Center |
| 55 | Dikembe Mutombo | Denver Nuggets | 1991–1996 | Center |
| 432 | Doug Moe | Denver Nuggets | 1980–1990 | Head Coach |
| 1 | Chauncey Billups | Detroit Pistons | 2002–2008 2013–2014 |
Guard |
| 2 | Chuck Daly | Detroit Pistons | 1983–1992 | Head Coach |
| 3 | Ben Wallace | Detroit Pistons | 2000–2006 2009–2012 |
Center |
| 4 | Joe Dumars | Detroit Pistons | 1985–1999 | Guard |
| 10 | Dennis Rodman | Detroit Pistons | 1986–1993 | Forward |
| 11 | Isiah Thomas | Detroit Pistons | 1981–1994 | Guard |
| 15 | Vinnie Johnson | Detroit Pistons | 1981–1991 | Guard |
| 16 | Bob Lanier | Detroit Pistons | 1970–1980 | Center |
| 21 | Dave Bing | Detroit Pistons | 1966–1975 | Guard |
| 32 | Richard Hamilton | Detroit Pistons | 2002–2011 | Guard |
| 40 | Bill Laimbeer | Detroit Pistons | 1982–1993 | Center |
| — | William Davidson | Detroit Pistons | 1974–2009 | Owner |
| — | Jack McCloskey | Detroit Pistons | 1979–1992 | GM |
| 13 | Wilt Chamberlain | Golden State Warriors | 1959–1965 | Center |
| 14 | Tom Meschery | Golden State Warriors | 1961–1967 | Forward |
| 16 | Al Attles | Golden State Warriors | 1960–1971 | Guard |
| 17 | Chris Mullin | Golden State Warriors | 1985–1997 2000–2001 |
Forward |
| 24 | Rick Barry | Golden State Warriors | 1965–1967 1972–1978 |
Forward |
| 42 | Nate Thurmond | Golden State Warriors | 1963–1974 | Center |
| 11 | Yao Ming | Houston Rockets | 2002–2011 | Center |
| 22 | Clyde Drexler | Houston Rockets | 1995–1998 | Guard |
| 23 | Calvin Murphy | Houston Rockets | 1970–1983 | Guard |
| 24 | Moses Malone | Houston Rockets | 1976–1982 | Center |
| 34 | Hakeem Olajuwon | Houston Rockets | 1984–2001 | Center |
| 45 | Rudy Tomjanovich | Houston Rockets | 1970–1981 | Forward |
| CD | Carroll Dawson | Houston Rockets | 1980–2007 | GM |
| 30 | George McGinnis | Indiana Pacers | 1971–1975 1980–1982 |
Forward |
| 31 | Reggie Miller | Indiana Pacers | 1987–2005 | Guard |
| 34 | Mel Daniels | Indiana Pacers | 1967–1974 | Center |
| 35 | Roger Brown | Indiana Pacers | 1967–1974 | Forward |
| 529 | Bobby Leonard | Indiana Pacers | 1968–1980 | Head Coach |
| 8 | Kobe Bryant | Los Angeles Lakers | 1996–2006 | Guard |
| 13 | Wilt Chamberlain | Los Angeles Lakers | 1968–1973 | Center |
| 22 | Elgin Baylor | Los Angeles Lakers | 1958–1971 | Forward |
| 24 | Kobe Bryant | Los Angeles Lakers | 2006–2016 | Guard |
| 25 | Gail Goodrich | Los Angeles Lakers | 1965–1968 1970–1976 |
Guard |
| 32 | Earvin “Magic” Johnson | Los Angeles Lakers | 1979–1991 1996 |
Guard |
| 33 | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | Los Angeles Lakers | 1975–1989 | Center |
| 34 | Shaquille O’Neal | Los Angeles Lakers | 1996–2004 | Center |
| 42 | James Worthy | Los Angeles Lakers | 1982–1994 | Forward |
| 44 | Jerry West | Los Angeles Lakers | 1960–1974 | Guard |
| 52 | Jamaal Wilkes | Los Angeles Lakers | 1977–1985 | Forward |
| Chick Hearn | Los Angeles Lakers | 1961–2002 | Broadcaster | |
| 50 | Zach Randolph | Memphis Grizzlies | 2009–2017 | Forward |
| Don Poier | Memphis Grizzlies | 1995–2005 | Broadcaster | |
| 1 | Chris Bosh | Miami Heat | 2010–2016 | Forward |
| 3 | Dwyane Wade | Miami Heat | 2003–2016 2018–2019 |
Guard |
| 10 | Tim Hardaway | Miami Heat | 1996–2001 | Guard |
| 13 | Dan Marino | Miami Heat | — | Quarter Back |
| 23 | Michael Jordan | Miami Heat | — | G.O.A.T |
| 32 | Shaquille O’Neal | Miami Heat | 2004–2008 | Center |
| 33 | Alonzo Mourning | Miami Heat | 1995–2002 2005–2008 |
Center |
| 1 | Oscar Robertson | Milwaukee Bucks | 1970–1974 | Guard |
| 2 | Junior Bridgeman | Milwaukee Bucks | 1975–1984 1986–1987 |
Forward |
| 4 | Sidney Moncrief | Milwaukee Bucks | 1979–1989 | Guard |
| 8 | Marques Johnson | Milwaukee Bucks | 1977–1984 | Forward |
| 10 | Bob Dandridge | Milwaukee Bucks | 1969–1977 1981 |
Forward |
| 14 | Jon McGlocklin | Milwaukee Bucks | 1968–1976 | Guard |
| 16 | Bob Lanier | Milwaukee Bucks | 1980–1984 | Center |
| 32 | Brian Winters | Milwaukee Bucks | 1975–1983 | Guard |
| 33 | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | Milwaukee Bucks | 1969–1975 | Center |
| 2 | Malik Sealy | Minnesota Timberwolves | 1997–2000 | Forward |
| Flip | Flip Saunders | Minnesota Timberwolves | 1995–2005 2014–2015 |
Head Coach |
| 7 | Pete Maravich | New Orleans Pelicans | — | Guard |
| 10 | Walt Frazier | New York Knicks | 1967–1977 | Guard |
| 12 | Dick Barnett | New York Knicks | 1965–1973 | Guard |
| 15 | Earl Monroe | New York Knicks | 1971–1980 | Guard |
| 15 | Dick McGuire | New York Knicks | 1949–1957 | Guard |
| 19 | Willis Reed | New York Knicks | 1964–1974 | Center |
| 22 | Dave DeBusschere | New York Knicks | 1968–1974 | Forward |
| 24 | Bill Bradley | New York Knicks | 1967–1977 | Forward |
| 33 | Patrick Ewing | New York Knicks | 1985–2000 | Center |
| 613 | Red Holzman | New York Knicks | 1967–1977 1978–1982 |
Head Coach |
| 4 | Nick Collison | Oklahoma City Thunder | 2003–2018 | Forward |
| 6 | Sixth man | Orlando Magic | — | The Fans |
| 2 | Moses Malone | Philadelphia 76ers | 1982–1986 1993–1994 |
Center |
| 3 | Allen Iverson | Philadelphia 76ers | 1996–2006 2009–2010 |
Guard |
| 4 | Dolph Schayes | Philadelphia 76ers | 1949–1964 | Centre |
| 6 | Julius Erving | Philadelphia 76ers | 1976–1987 | Forward |
| 10 | Maurice Cheeks | Philadelphia 76ers | 1978–1989 | Guard |
| 13 | Wilt Chamberlain | Philadelphia 76ers | 1965–1968 | Center |
| 15 | Hal Greer | Philadelphia 76ers | 1958–1973 | Guard |
| 24 | Bobby Jones | Philadelphia 76ers | 1978–1986 | Forward |
| 32 | Billy Cunningham | Philadelphia 76ers | 1965–1972 1974–1975 |
Forward |
| 34 | Charles Barkley | Philadelphia 76ers | 1984–1992 | Forward |
| Dave Zinkoff | Philadelphia 76ers | 1963–1981 1983–1985 |
Announcer | |
| 5 | Dick Van Arsdale | Phoenix Suns | 1968–1977 | Guard |
| 6 | Walter Davis | Phoenix Suns | 1977–1988 | Guard |
| 7 | Kevin Johnson | Phoenix Suns | 1987–1998 2000 |
Guard |
| 33 | Alvan Adams | Phoenix Suns | 1975–1988 | Center |
| 42 | Connie Hawkins | Phoenix Suns | 1968–1974 | Forward |
| 44 | Paul Westphal | Phoenix Suns | 1975–1980 1983–1984 |
Guard |
| — | Jerry Colangelo | Phoenix Suns | 1968–2005 | Owner, Head Coach |
| — | Cotton Fitzsimmons | Phoenix Suns | 1970–1972 1988–1992 1996 |
Head Coach |
| — | John MacLeod | Phoenix Suns | 1973–1987 | Head Coach |
| — | Joe Proski | Phoenix Suns | 1968–2000 | Trainer |
| Al McCoy | Phoenix Suns | 1972–present | Broadcaster | |
| 1 | Larry Weinberg | Portland Trail Blazers | 1970–1988 | Founder |
| 13 | Dave Twardzik | Portland Trail Blazers | 1976–1981 | Guard |
| 14 | Lionel Hollins | Portland Trail Blazers | 1975–1981 | Guard |
| 15 | Larry Steele | Portland Trail Blazers | 1971–1981 | Guard |
| 20 | Maurice Lucas | Portland Trail Blazers | 1976–1981 1987–1988 |
Forward |
| 22 | Clyde Drexler | Portland Trail Blazers | 1983–1995 | Guard |
| 30 | Terry Porter | Portland Trail Blazers | 1985–1995 | Guard |
| 30 | Bob Gross | Portland Trail Blazers | 1975–1982 | Forward |
| 32 | Bill Walton | Portland Trail Blazers | 1974–1978 | Center |
| 36 | Lloyd Neal | Portland Trail Blazers | 1972–1979 | Center |
| 45 | Geoff Petrie | Portland Trail Blazers | 1970–1976 | Guard |
| (19)77 | Jack Ramsay | Portland Trail Blazers | 1976–1986 | Head Coach |
| Bill Schonely | Portland Trail Blazers | 1970–1998 | Broadcaster | |
| 1 | Nate Archibald | Sacramento Kings | 1970–1976 | Guard |
| 2 | Mitch Richmond | Sacramento Kings | 1991–1998 | Guard |
| 4 | Chris Webber | Sacramento Kings | 1998–2005 | Forward |
| 6 | Sixth man | Sacramento Kings | — | The Fans |
| 11 | Bob Davies | Sacramento Kings | 1948–1955 | Guard |
| 12 | Maurice Stokes | Sacramento Kings | 1955–1958 | Forward |
| 14 | Oscar Robertson | Sacramento Kings | 1960–1970 | Guard |
| 16 | Peja Stojakovic | Sacramento Kings | 1999–2006 | Forward |
| 21 | Vlade Divac | Sacramento Kings | 1999–2004 | Center |
| 27 | Jack Twyman | Sacramento Kings | 1955–1966 | Forward |
| 44 | Sam Lacey | Sacramento Kings | 1970–1981 | Center |
| 0 | Johnny Moore | San Antonio Spurs | 1980–1988 1989–1990 |
Guard |
| 6 | Avery Johnson | San Antonio Spurs | 1991 1992–1993 1994–2001 |
Guard |
| 9 | Tony Parker | San Antonio Spurs | 2001–2018 | Guard |
| 12 | Bruce Bowen | San Antonio Spurs | 2001–2009 | Forward |
| 13 | James Silas | San Antonio Spurs | 1973–1981 | Guard |
| 20 | Manu Ginobili | San Antonio Spurs | 2002–2018 | Guard |
| 21 | Tim Duncan | San Antonio Spurs | 1997–2016 | Forward |
| 32 | Sean Elliott | San Antonio Spurs | 1989–1993 1994–2001 |
Forward |
| 44 | George Gervin | San Antonio Spurs | 1974–1985 | Guard |
| 50 | David Robinson | San Antonio Spurs | 1989–2003 | Center |
| 1 | Gus Williams | Seattle SuperSonics | 1976–1985 | Guard |
| 10 | Nate McMillan | Seattle SuperSonics | 1985–1998 | Guard |
| 19 | Lenny Wilkens | Seattle SuperSonics | 1968–1972 | Guard |
| 24 | Spencer Haywood | Seattle SuperSonics | 1971–1975 | Forward |
| 32 | Fred Brown | Seattle SuperSonics | 1971–1984 | Guard |
| 43 | Jack Sikma | Seattle SuperSonics | 1977–1986 | Center |
| 6 | Bob Blackburn | Seattle SuperSonics | 1967–1992 | Announcer |
| 1 | Frank Layden | Utah Jazz | 1981–1988 | Head Coach |
| 4 | Adrian Dantley | Utah Jazz | 1979–1986 | Forward |
| 7 | Pete Maravich | Utah Jazz | 1974–1979 | Guard |
| 9 | Larry Miller | Utah Jazz | 1985–2009 | Owner |
| 12 | John Stockton | Utah Jazz | 1984–2003 | Guard |
| 14 | Jeff Hornacek | Utah Jazz | 1994–2000 | Guard |
| 32 | Karl Malone | Utah Jazz | 1985–2003 | Forward |
| 35 | Darrell Griffith | Utah Jazz | 1980–1991 | Guard |
| 53 | Mark Eaton | Utah Jazz | 1982–1993 | Center |
| 1223 | Jerry Sloan | Utah Jazz | 1988–2011 | Head Coach |
| Hot Rod Hundley | Utah Jazz | 1974–2009 | Broadcaster | |
| 10 | Earl Monroe | Washington Wizards | 1967–1971 | Guard |
| 11 | Elvin Hayes | Washington Wizards | 1972–1981 | Forward |
| 25 | Gus Johnson | Washington Wizards | 1963–1972 | Forward |
| 41 | Wes Unseld | Washington Wizards | 1968–1981 | Center |
| 45 | Phil Chenier | Washington Wizards | 1971–1979 | Guard |
The list of players with their jerseys retired by 2 franchises
- Bob Lanier – (Pistons, Bucks)
- Clyde Drexler (Rockets, Blazers)
- Dikembe Mutombo (Hawks, Nuggets)
- Earl Monroe (Knicks, Wizards)
- Jerry Sloan (Bulls, Jazz as Coach)
- Julius Erving (Nets, 76ers)
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Bucks Lakers)
- Moses Malone (Rockets, 76ers)
- Nate Thurmond (Cavs, Warriors)
- Michael Jordan (Bulls, Heat)
- Oscar Robertson (Bucks, Kings)
- Shaquille O’Neal (Lakers, Heat)
What NBA Franchise has retired the most Jerseys? (list)
| List of Retired Jerseys by NBA Franchise | |
| Franchise | Number of retired Jerseys |
| Boston Celtics | 25 |
| Detroit Pistons | 13 |
| Portland Trail Blazers | 13 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | 12 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | 11 |
| Phoenix Suns | 11 |
| Sacramento Kings | 11 |
| Utah Jazz | 11 |
| San Antonio Spurs | 10 |
| Milwaukee Bucks | 9 |
| New York Knicks | 9 |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 8 |
| Atlanta Hawks | 7 |
| Denver Nuggets | 7 |
| Houston Rockets | 7 |
| Miami Heat | 7 |
| Seattle SuperSonics | 7 |
| Brooklyn Nets | 6 |
| Chicago Bulls | 6 |
| Golden State Warriors | 6 |
| Indiana Pacers | 5 |
| Washington Wizards | 5 |
| Dallas Mavericks | 4 |
| Memphis Grizzlies | 2 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 2 |
| Charlotte Hornets | 1 |
| New Orleans Pelicans | 1 |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 1 |
| Orlando Magic | 1 |
| LA Clippers | 0 |
| Toronto Raptors | 0 |
