In the world of basketball, jersey numbers hold a special significance, embodying a legacy that is passed down from one generation of players to the next. Ahead of the upcoming Paris Games, members of the USA men's basketball national team were each given a bag tag listing the names of legends who had previously worn their jersey numbers. This gesture highlights the illustrious history and tradition that each player is stepping into as they don their uniforms.
Jayson Tatum and the Legendary No. 10
Jayson Tatum will don the iconic No. 10 jersey, a number that has been previously worn by some of the greatest names in basketball history. Kevin Garnett, Reggie Miller, Anthony Edwards, and Kobe Bryant, all legends in their own right, have worn the No. 10 for Team USA. By inheriting this number, Tatum joins an elite club of perennial stars, symbolizing not only his current prowess on the court but also the potential to leave his own mark on the international stage.
Bam Adebayo Continues Tradition with No. 13
Bam Adebayo will wear the No. 13 jersey in Paris, a number he also sports for the Miami Heat. Notably, this number has been carried by some of basketball's towering figures during past Olympics. Tim Duncan and Kevin Love wore No. 13 during the 2004 and 2012 Olympics, respectively, while Shaquille O'Neal took it to prominence during the 1992 and 1996 Games. Reflecting on his selection, Adebayo said, "I love the number because my mother also wore it in high school," adding a personal touch to his connection with the number.
LeBron James Prepares for His Fourth Olympics
LeBron James, one of the most recognized figures in basketball, will be playing in his fourth Olympic Games. This time, he will wear No. 6, a number that also has a rich history of representation. Team USA coach Steve Kerr, who wore No. 6 during the 1986 FIBA World Cup, joins the likes of Penny Hardaway, Patrick Ewing, and Bill Russell who have donned the same number for Team USA. As James gears up to add another chapter to his storied career, he carries on a tradition of excellence tied to the number.
Tyrese Haliburton and the Storied No. 9
Another young star, Tyrese Haliburton, will be wearing No. 9. This number has been adorned by no less than five NBA legends: Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, Andre Iguodala, DeMar DeRozan, Dwayne Wade, and even LeBron James at one point. Haliburton's excitement about his jersey number is palpable. "I was given this number... I'm the young guy so I just get thrown a number, so not a bad number to get thrown," he said. Recognizing the caliber of players who have worn No. 9 before him, he added, "It's a pretty good crew."
Stephen Curry's Selection of No. 4
Stephen Curry will wear No. 4, a number previously worn by Jimmy Butler, Chauncey Billups, Carlos Boozer, and Allen Iverson. As one of the most influential shooters in basketball history, Curry's choice of this number reflects a significant legacy and adds another layer to his already illustrious career. Reflecting on the legacy he's joining, Curry succinctly remarked, "That's a pretty solid list."
The tradition of passing down jersey numbers serves as a powerful reminder of the legacy that each player carries with them onto the court. In Paris, the current members of Team USA will be stepping into roles once held by some of the greatest names in basketball history. With each number representing a lineage of excellence and achievement, this year's team is poised to add their own chapters to the storied history of USA Basketball.