Ranking the greats: Who are the best NBA players with jersey number 2?

Unlike soccer, where the number 2 is traditionally reserved for defenders, the number 2 in basketball does not carry any fixed meaning. However, throughout NBA history, many superstars have worn this number and turned it into a symbol of excellence. basketscores.com answers the question: Who are the best NBA players with jersey number 2?

Who are the best NBA players with jersey number 2?

5. Kyrie Irving

Irving wore the number 2 jersey during his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2011 to 2017. He kept this number from his rookie season through to the historic 2016 championship alongside LeBron James. Later, after moving from the Brooklyn Nets to Dallas in February 2023, Kyrie Irving chose to wear number 2 again because number 11 was already taken by Tim Hardaway Jr.

With this number, Irving won the NBA Rookie of the Year award in his debut season. He was also selected to the All-Star team four times (2013, 2014, 2015, 2017). During his six seasons in Cleveland wearing number 2, Irving played 381 games, averaging 21.6 points and 5.6 assists per game, while shooting 45.7% from the field and 39.1% from three-point range.

4. Alex English

Alex English, nicknamed "The Blade," was known for his smooth playing style, efficient scoring, and consistent performances. He was the highest-scoring player of the 1980s and the first in NBA history to score at least 2,000 points in eight consecutive seasons. In the 1982/83 season, he led the league with an average of 28.4 points per game.

English spent 11 prime seasons (1980–1990) with the Denver Nuggets wearing the number 2 jersey. He still holds the franchise records for most points (21,645) and assists (3,679). In recognition of his contributions, the Nuggets retired his number 2 jersey.

3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai first wore the number 2 jersey while playing for the Kentucky Wildcats, where he gained attention for his length and intelligent playing style. After being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Paul George deal, he continued wearing number 2, which became closely associated with the team’s rise.

Wearing number 2, Shai led the Thunder to their first championship since relocating to Oklahoma City, while also winning both the MVP and Finals MVP awards. He became one of the few players in NBA history to achieve both honors in the same season, highlighting his dominance.

2. Moses Malone

Although Moses Malone wore multiple jersey numbers throughout his career, his peak years with the Philadelphia 76ers were associated with number 2. In 1983, he led the 76ers to a dominant 4-0 Finals victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, earning Finals MVP honors with averages of 25.8 points and 18.0 rebounds per game.

During his first stint with Philadelphia (1982–1986), he wore number 2 and achieved numerous accolades, including four All-Star selections, three All-NBA First Team selections, and an All-Defensive First Team honor. The 76ers later retired his number 2 jersey to honor his legacy.

1. Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard is widely regarded as the greatest player to wear the number 2 jersey. He is one of the few players in NBA history to win championships and Finals MVP awards with two different teams while wearing the same number.

At just 22 years old, he became one of the youngest Finals MVP winners after helping the San Antonio Spurs defeat LeBron James’ Miami Heat. Later, in his only season with the Toronto Raptors, he led the team to their first NBA championship in a historic run.

Unlike many flashy stars, Kawhi’s number 2 represents efficiency and balance on both ends of the court. He has maintained this number throughout his career, including with the LA Clippers, where he continues to perform at a high level with strong scoring efficiency and elite defensive impact.

Some notable players who also wore number 2:

Red Auerbach (Boston Celtics) is a unique case, as he was not a player but a legendary coach. The Celtics retired his number 2 to honor his immense contribution to the franchise.

Mitch Richmond (Sacramento Kings) was one of the top scorers of the 1990s and played a key role in elevating the Kings’ status in the league. Junior Bridgeman is remembered not only for his playing career but also as one of the most successful businessmen in NBA history after retirement.

BasketScores has answered the question: Who are the best NBA players with jersey number 2? while looking back at some of the greatest players to wear this number. To learn more about upcoming basketball schedules, please click on the link to our page.