Jersey Numbers That Connect Legends Across Generations
The USA men’s basketball national team has found a unique way to honor its rich history. Each player is given a bag tag listing the names of past legends who wore their jersey numbers. This initiative serves as a constant reminder of the legacy they are inheriting and the exceptional athletes who have donned the same numbers before them.
Tatum Carries the Legacy of No. 10
As Jayson Tatum prepares to wear the No. 10 jersey, he will be joining an illustrious group of players. Kevin Garnett, Reggie Miller, Anthony Edwards, and the iconic Kobe Bryant previously sported this jersey number for Team USA. Wearing No. 10 isn’t just an assignment; it’s an honor laced with the expectations set by these greats.
Bam Adebayo: No. 13 in Paris
Bam Adebayo will step onto the court in Paris wearing the No. 13 jersey. This isn’t unfamiliar territory for him as he already wears No. 13 for the Miami Heat. The number holds a special place in Adebayo’s heart, noting, "I love the number because my mother also wore it in high school." Joining the ranks of Tim Duncan and Kevin Love, who wore No. 13 during the 2004 and 2012 Olympics respectively, and Shaquille O'Neal in the 1992 and 1996 Games, Adebayo is adding another layer to a storied legacy.
LeBron James Returns for Olympic Glory
LeBron James will be playing in his fourth Olympic Games, a testament to his enduring excellence and commitment to representing his country on the grandest stage. Come Paris, James will don the No. 6 jersey. He follows the footsteps of his current coach, Steve Kerr, who wore the same number during the 1986 FIBA World Cup. Other notable players who wore No. 6 for Team USA include Penny Hardaway, Patrick Ewing, and Bill Russell.
Tyrese Haliburton's Serendipitous Number
Tyrese Haliburton will proudly wear the No. 9 jersey for Team USA, a number steeped in basketball excellence. Legends such as Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, Andre Iguodala, DeMar DeRozan, Dwayne Wade, and even LeBron James have all worn this number. Haliburton acknowledges the gravity of the number, stating, "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." Reflecting on the legacy embedded in No. 9, he adds, "It's a pretty good crew."
Stephen Curry: Leading with No. 4
Stephen Curry will lead Team USA by wearing the No. 4 jersey. This number has seen a host of remarkable athletes, including Jimmy Butler, Chauncey Billups, Carlos Boozer, and Allen Iverson. Curry, known for his humility and respect for the game’s history, noted, "That's a pretty solid list," as he prepares to contribute his chapter to the rich history of No. 4.
The symbolism in these jersey numbers serves as a powerful reminder to each player of the history they are part of and the heights they aspire to reach. Through this thoughtful tradition, Team USA not only honors its past but also motivates its current roster to rise to the challenge, continuing the legacy made by those who came before them.