Wizards spark controversy with Anthony Davis’ new jersey number

The Washington Wizards are giving Anthony Davis a jersey number that has been long out of commission.

Washington announced this week that their new trade acqusition Davis will be wearing the jersey No. 23 for them. Davis was just acquired ahead of the trade deadline from the Dallas Mavericks in a blockbuster eight-player deal.

The Wizards’ decision to give Davis No. 23 immediately sparked controversy. That is because the number had not been worn in Washington since … Michael Jordan did so in the early 2000s.

Jordan famously came out of his second retirement to play for the Wizards from 2001-03. He was an All-Star during both his seasons in Washington, averaging 21.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game overall for the team. The Wizards also ended up being the last team Jordan ever played for in his NBA career, and he served as a part-owner and as their president of basketball operations during his time there as well.

Fans might argue that Jordan’s stint in Washington was not particularly memorable as it never even resulted in a single trip to the playoffs. But obviously, Jordan is the greatest player of all-time in the eyes of many and got his No. 23 jersey retired by both his only other NBA team in the Chicago Bulls and later even by the Miami Heat (whom Jordan never even played for).

As for Davis, he wore No. 23 during his first seven career seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans but had switched to the No. 3 for his last seven-and-a-half seasons split between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Mavericks. Now Davis is going back to No. 23 in Washington, albeit in a decision that is creating some controversy.