In an intriguing nod to tradition and history, each player of the USA men's basketball national team will take the court at the upcoming Olympics with a deep connection to past legends who have donned the same jersey numbers. This symbolic gesture embodies the rich heritage of USA Basketball, with each player's jersey carrying a legacy of excellence and achievement.
Tatum Honors No. 10 Legacy
Jayson Tatum, set to wear the No. 10 jersey, inherits a number previously worn by some of the most iconic players in the sport’s history. Kevin Garnett, Reggie Miller, Anthony Edwards, and the late Kobe Bryant have all graced the court in the No. 10 for Team USA. For Tatum, this is more than just a number; it represents a lineage of greatness and an inspiration to rise to the occasion.
Adebayo and the Roots of No. 13
Bam Adebayo, tasked with wearing the No. 13 jersey in Paris, follows in the footsteps of NBA legends who have worn that number with distinction. Tim Duncan and Kevin Love were star players sporting No. 13 during the 2004 and 2012 Olympics, respectively. Legendary center Shaquille O'Neal also carried No. 13 in the 1992 and 1996 Games. Adebayo, who wears No. 13 for the Miami Heat, has a personal connection to the number. "I love the number because my mother also wore it in high school," he shared, highlighting a family tradition that underlines his pride and readiness to uphold the number's storied past.
LeBron's Fourth Olympic Campaign
LeBron James returns to the Olympic stage for his fourth appearance, an achievement that places him among the most distinguished in USA Basketball history. This time, he will wear the No. 6 jersey, a number rich in Team USA history as well. Steve Kerr, the current Team USA coach, wore No. 6 during the 1986 FIBA World Cup. Other greats like Penny Hardaway, Patrick Ewing, and Bill Russell have also worn this illustrious number, adding further significance to LeBron’s choice.
The Young and the Talented
Tyrese Haliburton, gearing up for his Olympic debut, will wear the No. 9 jersey. In doing so, he joins an elite group of players who have made lasting impacts on the international stage. Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, Andre Iguodala, DeMar DeRozan, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James have all worn No. 9. Reflecting on his assignment, Haliburton noted, "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." His modesty and readiness to embrace the legacy of his number signify a promising start to his international career.
Curry Takes on No. 4
Stephen Curry will don the No. 4 jersey, a number previously worn by several outstanding players in Team USA’s history. Jimmy Butler, Chauncey Billups, Carlos Boozer, and Allen Iverson have all sported No. 4, creating an impressive roster of predecessors. Acknowledging the significant names tied to his jersey, Curry commented, "That's a pretty solid list." His remark underscores the considerable respect and responsibility he feels towards continuing the tradition of excellence associated with No. 4.
As these players prepare to represent their country, the integration of these storied numbers with their personal performances brings an added layer of significance and inspiration. They carry not just the hopes of their nation but also the legacies of those who made history before them. This unique melding of past and present creates a poignant narrative for Team USA, setting the stage for potentially unforgettable moments in the upcoming Olympic Games.