Michael Jordan wore the number 23 for a variety of reasons, both personal and practical.
Personal Significance
- Family Connection: Jordan’s older brother, Larry, wore number 45 in high school, and Michael wanted a number that was half of his brother's. This shows the strong bond between the two brothers.
- Lucky Number: Jordan felt that 23 was a lucky number for him, having worn it throughout his high school and college career. He continued to wear it in the NBA, believing it brought him good fortune.
Practicality
- Availability: When Jordan joined the Chicago Bulls, the number 23 was available. It was a common number choice for basketball players, and it seemed to fit Jordan’s style of play.
- Visibility: The number 23 is a visually striking number on a basketball jersey. It is easily recognizable and stands out on the court.
While the exact reasons behind Jordan’s choice of 23 may remain unclear, the combination of personal significance and practical factors likely played a role in his decision.