Top 24 Basketball Players Who Wore the Number 8
Last updated on June 26th, 2024 at 08:00 pm
There are a limited number of professional basketball players who have left a permanent mark on the game. Even fewer have worn #8 on their jerseys. This iconic number has been sported by some of the most talented and influential players in basketball history, each contributing to the legacy of the sport in their unique way.
In this article, we will be discussing the top 25 best basketball players who wore #8. These players were some of the best to ever play the game, and each made a significant impact on the sport. From record-breaking performances to unforgettable moments on the court, these athletes have honored the jersey number 8.
We will explore their careers, highlighting their achievements and the lasting influence they have had on the game. Join us as we delve into the stories of these remarkable athletes and celebrate the legacy of the number 8 in basketball.
Famous Number 8 NBA Players
- Kobe Bryant (1996-2016)
- Scottie Pippen (1987-2004)
- Moses Malone (1976-1982)
- Dwight Howard (2004-present)
- Michael Beasley (2008-2019)
- Zach Lavine (2014-present)
- J.R. Smith (2004-2020)
- Nemanja Bjelica (2015-present)
- Hassan Adams (2006-2009)
- Alec Burks (2011-present)
- Jamario Moon (2007-2012)
- Marcus Morris (2011-present)
- Nathaniel Clifton (1950-1961)
- Montrezl Harrell (2015-present)
- Dwight Powell (2014-present)
- Rudy Gay (2006-present)
- Ben Gordon (2004-2015)
- Latrell Sprewell (1992-2005)
- Gerald Green (2005-2020)
- Peja Stojakovic (1998-2011)
- Bobby Jackson (1997-2009)
- Jeff Green (2007-present)
- Deron Williams (2005-2017)
- Jordan Clarkson (2014-present)
Top Basketball Players With Number 8
Kobe Bryant (1996-2016)
Arguably one of the best players to ever wear the number 8, Kobe Bryant is a legend in the basketball world. He played his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning 5 NBA championships. Kobe was an 18-time All-Star and was named MVP in 2008. He is also fourth on the all-time scoring list, with 33,643 points.
During his tenure with the number 8 jersey, Bryant secured three consecutive NBA championships from 2000 to 2002 alongside Shaquille O’Neal, forming one of the most dominant duos in NBA history. His individual accolades include multiple All-Star selections, scoring titles, and unforgettable performances, such as his 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors in 2006, the second-highest single-game scoring performance in NBA history.
Kobe started his NBA career wearing the number 8, but switched his number to 24 to show that he was establishing himself as a legendary NBA player. Both numbers have been retired by the LA Lakers organization is 2017.
Off the court, Kobe was a global ambassador for basketball, inspiring millions through his Mamba Mentality—a philosophy of relentless pursuit of excellence. His legacy extends beyond his impressive statistics, as he remains a symbol of dedication, perseverance, and passion for the game.
Scottie Pippen (1987-2004)
While he wore number 33 with the Chicago Bulls,, many people do not know that he wore number 8 during the Olympics with Team USA. Scottie Pippen is one of the most decorated players in NBA history. He was a 6-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls and also won an Olympic gold medal in 1992.
Pippen was a 7-time All-Star and was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. He is also considered one of the best defensive players of all time.
During the Olympics, Pippen helped secure gold medals for Team USA in 1992 and 1996 while wearing the number 8 jersey. Known for his high basketball IQ and relentless work ethic, Pippen’s legacy is that of a selfless superstar who elevated the play of his teammates. This impact mirrors the influence of other famous number 8 basketball players who left a lasting mark on the sport.
Moses Malone is a Hall of Fame center who played for several teams throughout his 21-year career. He was a 3-time NBA MVP and a 12-time All-Star. Malone ranks within the top 10 in points scored in NBA history.
Malone won an NBA championship in 1983 with the Philadelphia 76ers, where his performance earned him the Finals MVP. His famous “Fo’, Fo’, Fo'” prediction, indicating his confidence in sweeping the playoffs, became legendary when the 76ers nearly achieved it, losing only one game during their title run.
While he wore the number 2 with the 76ers, he wore the jersey number 8 with the Milwuakee Bucks in 1991-1993.
Dwight Howard (2004-present)
Dwight Howard is a current NBA player who has had a successful career thus far. He is an 8-time All-Star and was named Defensive Player of the Year three times. Howard has also won an Olympic gold medal and was the #1 overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft.
He has been on a total of 7 NBA teams since 2004. During his brief stint with the Atlanta Hawks (2016-2017), he donned the number 8. In his longest tenure with the Orlando Magic, he famously wore the number 12.
Michael Beasley (2008-2019)
Michael Beasley is an NBA player who was the #2 overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. He has played for several teams throughout his including the Heat and Lakers. Beasley has been named to the All-Rookie First Team and was also a part of the USA Basketball team that won a gold medal in the 2008 Olympics.
He wore the number 8 with the Miami Heat.
Zach Lavine (2014-present)
Zach LaVine is a current NBA All-Star player who was drafted #13 overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2014. He is a 2-time Slam Dunk champion and was named to the All-Rookie First Team in 2015. LaVine has also represented the USA in international competitions, winning a gold medal in the 2016 Olympics.
Lavine has spent time with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Chicago Bulls, where he currently plays.
J.R. Smith (2004-2020)
J.R. Smith is a former NBA player who has won an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He is also a member of the USA Basketball team that won gold in the 2016 Olympics. Smith has played for several teams throughout his career including most recently the LA Lakers.
He wore the jersey number 8 while as a member of the New York Knicks in 2012-2015.
Nemanja Bjelica (2015-present)
Nemanja Bjelica is a current NBA player who was drafted #35 overall by the Washington Wizards in 2010 but didn’t play in the NBA until 2015. He is a member of the Serbian national team and has won gold medals in the 2009 and 2010 FIBA World Championships. Bjelica has also played for the Minnesota Timberwolves and is currently a member of the Golden State Warriors.
Hassan Adams (2006-2009)
Hassan Adams is a former NBA player who was drafted #54 overall by the Brooklyn Nets in 2006. He played for the Nets, where he wore number 8, and the Phoenix Suns during his career. Adams also represented the USA in international competitions, winning a gold medal in the 2006 FIBA World Championship.
Alec Burks (2011-present)
Alec Burks is a current NBA player who was drafted #12 overall by the Utah Jazz in 2011. He has played for the Jazz and has made appearances on the Warrios and Knicks among other NBA teams. Burks has represented the USA in international competitions, winning a gold medal in the 2014 FIBA World Championship.
He wore the number 8 with the Golden State Warriors and ended up switching to the number 20 following the passing on Kobe Bryant. He made this switch to show respect to Bryant.
Jamario Moon (2007-2012)
Jamario Moon is a former NBA player who played for several teams during his career. He was originally undrafted but made a name for himself with his highlight-reel dunks. He finished in the Dunk Contest right behind Dwight Howard and Gerald Green.
Moon also represented the USA in international competitions, winning a gold medal in the 2006 FIBA World Championship.
Marcus Morris (2011-present)
Marcus Morris is a current NBA player who was drafted #14 overall by the Houston Rockets in 2011. He has played for the Rockets, the Phoenix Suns, and the Detroit Pistons during his career. Morris is currently a member of the LA Clippers.
Nathaniel Clifton (1950-1961)
Nathaniel Clifton was a former NBA player who was one of the first African-Americans to play in the league. He was drafted #19 overall by the New York Knicks in 1950 and went on to have a successful career. Clifton was a part of the USA Basketball team that won gold in the 1954 FIBA World Championship.
Clifton also played for the Harlem Globetrotters before he entered the NBA. His performances with the Globetrotters led to him entering the NBA. He donned the number 8 for the New York Knicks.
Montrezl Harrell (2015-present)
Montrezl Harrell is a current NBA player who was drafted #32 overall by the Houston Rockets in 2015. He was awarded as being the best power forward in the nation coming out of college.
He has played for the Rockets and the Los Angeles Clippers during his career. Harrell is currently a member of the Charlotte Hornets’ starting lineup.
Dwight Powell (2014-present)
Dwight Powell is a current NBA player who was drafted #45 overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 2014. He has played for the Hornets, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Dallas Mavericks during his career. Powell is currently a member of the Mavericks’ starting lineup.
Powell has played for the Canadian Olympic Basketball Team as well as his NBA stint. At 6’10, he plays power forward or center.
Rudy Gay (2006-present)
Rudy Gay is a current NBA player who was drafted #8 overall by the Houston Rockets in 2006. He has played for the Rockets, the Memphis Grizzlies, the Toronto Raptors, and the Sacramento Kings during his career. Gay is currently a member of the Utah Jazz.
Ben Gordon (2004-2015)
Ben Gordon is a former NBA player who was drafted #3 overall by the Chicago Bulls in 2004. He won the Sixth Man of the Year Award in 2005 as a rookie (the only rookie to win this award) and was a member of the USA Basketball team that won gold in the 2006 FIBA World Championship.
Gordon played for several teams during his career and is currently a free agent.
He lives in Chicago Bulls history with the second most 3-point field goals as a member of the bulls. He is only behind Kirk Hinrich.
Latrell Sprewell (1992-2005)
Latrell Sprewell is a former NBA player who was drafted #24 overall by the Golden State Warriors in 1992. He is a four-time All-Star and won an NBA championship with the Warriors in 1995. Sprewell played for several teams during his career and is currently a free agent.
Gerald Green (2005-2020)
Gerald Green is a current NBA player who was drafted #18 overall by the Boston Celtics in 2005. He has played for the Celtics, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Houston Rockets, the Phoenix Suns, and the Miami Heat during his career. Green is currently a member of the Houston Rockets.
Peja Stojakovic (1998-2011)
Peja Stojakovic is a former NBA player who was drafted #14 overall by the Sacramento Kings in 1996. He is a three-time All-Star and won an NBA championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011. Stojakovic played for several teams during his career and is currently the director of player relations for the National Basketball Players Association.
Bobby Jackson (1997-2009)
Bobby Jackson is a former NBA player who was drafted #23 overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in 1997. He won an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2002 and was also a member of the USA Basketball team that won gold in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Jackson played for several teams during his career and is currently an assistant coach for the Sacramento Kings.
Jeff Green (2007-present)
Jeff Green is a current NBA player who was drafted #5 overall by the Boston Celtics in 2007. He has played for the Celtics, the Memphis Grizzlies, the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Houston Rockets during his career. Green is currently a member of the Utah Jazz.
Deron Williams (2005-2017)
Deron Williams is a current NBA player who was drafted #3 overall by the Utah Jazz in 2005. He has played for the Jazz, the Brooklyn Nets, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Cleveland Cavaliers during his career. Williams is currently a member of the Nets’ starting lineup.
Jordan Clarkson (2014-present)
Jordan Clarkson is a current NBA player who was drafted #46 overall by the Washington Wizards in 2014. He has played for the Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers during his career. Clarkson is currently a member of the Cavaliers’ starting lineup.
24 Professional Basketball Players Who Wore #8 - Final Thoughts
There you have it! A list of the 24 best professional basketball players to ever don the #8 jersey. These players span generations and have all made their mark on the game in one way or another. Who is your favorite #8 player of all time? Let us know in the comments below!