The Dallas Mavericks will retire No. 24 after Kobe Bryant’s tragic death. Mark Cuban announces that no player in Mavericks history will ever wear No. 24 again in tribute to Kobe Bryant
A statement from Cuban read:
“We are shocked and saddened by the devastating news of the passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna. Kobe was an ambassador for our game, a decorated legend and a global icon. Above all, he was a loving and dedicated father.
Kobe’s legacy transcends basketball, and our organization has decided that the number 24 will never again be worn by a Dallas Maverick.
Our hearts go out to all the lives lost and the families impacted by this terrible tragedy. We send our thoughts and prayers to Vanessa and the family, the Lakers organization and Kobe Bryant fans everywhere.”
The No. 24 has not been worn in Dallas since Richard Jefferson’s short stint with the team in 2015. Five players wore No. 24 in Dallas, including the first Maverick to don 24, Mark Aguirre, who is one of the best offensive players in team history.
Sean Deveney from heavy.com reminded that:
“FIVE PLAYERS WORE NO. 24 IN DALLAS INCLUDING THE FIRST MAVERICK TO DON 24, MARK AGUIRRE, WHO IS ONE OF THE BEST OFFENSIVE PLAYERS IN TEAM HISTORY. MARK AGUIRRE RANKS THIRD ON THE MAVS’ ALL-TIME SCORING LIST AND THERE HAVE BEEN INCREASING CALLS TO RETIRE HIS NUMBER BEFORE BRYANT’S TRAGIC DEATH.”
