The Story Behind Tucker's Number 59

You don’t often see superstar players wearing high numbers. But in the current landscape of the NBL that’s not necessarily the case.

Wearing number 59, Rayjon Tucker joined Mitch Creek in representing two of the highest jersey numbers in the league – and for Tucker to take such an obscure number upon his arrival in Melbourne left many scratching their heads.

He has had some history with the number however, as he was the first person in NBA history to wear it while representing the Bucks.

Speaking in the most recent episode of One-On-One, Tucker explained why he continues to play with 59 on his back.

“I wore number nine with Philly and my guy Terrence Clarke – he was like a little brother, we got super close in my first year in Utah – when he died in a car accident I wanted to combine our numbers,” Tucker said.

“I didn’t know whether I wanted to wear 95 or 59, and I had a conversation with my mum … talking to her I was like ‘I don’t know which one to wear, can you help me make that decision?’

“My grandfather, who I also have tattooed on my arm, she told me he died aged 59 so it all made sense … it became a number of my own [and] I’ll never wear another number again.”

Rayjon Tucker playing for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2022.

 During his time in the NBA Tucker rubbed shoulders and shared the court with some genuine superstars of the modern game.

Whether it be Nikola Jokic in Denver, Donovan Mitchell in Utah, or Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, Tucker has been afforded the opportunity to learn from some of the best.

When he was told he wouldn’t be offered a contract with the Bucks back in 2019, Tucker says he received a piece of advice from now two-time NBA MVP Antetokounmpo that he still lives by.

“My first year with Milwaukee – going to training camp Giannis actually thought I had made the team,” Tucker reflected.

“When he found out I’d been cut he sent me a message telling me to keep grinding and that his younger brother was going through the same thing with the Lakers.

“He was like ‘you’ve got the talent, you’ve got everything you need, just keep working and everything will fall into place’.

“Ever since he sent me that text that’s always what I refer back to.”