Luka Doncic jersey number: There's a special reason why Mavericks star wears No. 77

Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton all have something in common aside from being the on-court leaders of teams in the 2024 NBA conference finals: All three have single-digit jersey numbers.

Compared to his fellow stars, Mavericks star Luka Doncic is a jersey number exception. The 25-year-old wears No. 77, a number more commonly seen from a player trying to make the roster out of training camp than a player in perennial MVP contention.

With the way he's played over his first six seasons, Doncic could get just about anything he wants in Dallas, Dirk Nowitzki's No. 41 aside, so why does he stick with No. 77?

Here's what you need to know about the story behind Doncic's jersey number and how many other NBA players have worn No. 77.

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Why does Luka Doncic wear No. 77?

Doncic wore No. 7 before entering the NBA, doing so as a tribute to Greek basketball star Vassilis Spanoulis. But No. 7 was taken by Dwight Powell when Doncic joined the Mavericks, so the No. 3 pick decided to tack on another seven and wear No. 77 rather than try to pry No. 7 away from Powell.

"Spanoulis was my idol since I was little. ... That's why I wear number seven," Doncic explained to EuroHoops in 2021, calling Spanoulis' influence "big time" for his own career.

Spanoulis, now 41, spent one season with the Rockets in 2006-07 but was otherwise a European star. He spent about half of his 23-year career with Olympiacos, plus parts of five seasons with Panathinaikos in Greece.

No. 7 wasn't an option for Doncic when he entered the NBA, as Powell was already established and heading into his fifth season with the Mavericks. While Doncic is the face of the Mavericks and one of the NBA's best all-around players, Powell, 32, still remains with Dallas as one of the longest-tenured players in the league. 

Could Doncic switch to No. 7 when Powell's time with the Mavericks is up? He hasn't given any indication, but there's little doubt the 25-year-old will outlast Powell. Dallas' influx of big men, from P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford to Dereck Lively II, has pushed Powell out of the rotation. While Powell is under contract next season, his place on the roster isn't assured.

Regardless of Powell's status, though, Doncic has built his brand around No. 77, so he could be inclined to stay with his current number.

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How many NBA players wear No. 77?

Doncic is one of 18 players in NBA history to wear No. 77, and he's easily the most recognizable of the bench. Here's the complete list: