In an inspiring nod to history and legacy, each member of the USA men's basketball national team received a unique and meaningful gift: a bag tag listing the names of the legends who previously donned their jersey numbers. As Team USA gears up for their next big challenge, players are tapping into the rich and storied history of American basketball, with each number carrying its own heritage and story.
Jayson Tatum and the No. 10 Legacy
Jayson Tatum, a rising star in the NBA, will wear the No. 10 jersey for Team USA. This particular number has been immortalized by icons such as Kevin Garnett, Reggie Miller, Anthony Edwards, and the late, great Kobe Bryant. Tatum's selection of this number places him in hallowed company and adds a layer of pressure and inspiration as he steps onto the court.
Bam Adebayo Continues Tradition with No. 13
The versatile Bam Adebayo will be seen wearing No. 13 in Paris, a number he already sports for the Miami Heat. Reflecting on its significance, Adebayo shared, "I love the number because my mother also wore it in high school." It's a touching tribute and a personal connection that adds deeper meaning to his Olympic journey. Historically, No. 13 has been worn by legends like Tim Duncan during the 2004 Olympics, Kevin Love in the 2012 Olympics, and Shaquille O'Neal in both the 1992 and 1996 Games.
LeBron James: A Fourth Olympic Run
LeBron James is no stranger to the global stage, and as he prepares for his fourth Olympic Games, he will don the No. 6 jersey. James follows a lineage of basketball titans such as Team USA coach Steve Kerr, who wore No. 6 during the 1986 FIBA World Cup, and other legends like Penny Hardaway, Patrick Ewing, and Bill Russell. For James, this jersey is more than just a number; it's a symbol of excellence and leadership.
Tyrese Haliburton Embraces No. 9
Tyrese Haliburton, one of the promising young talents on the roster, will carry forward the legacy of No. 9. When asked about his new number, Haliburton reflected on his luck: "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 added with appreciation, "It's a pretty good crew." Indeed, No. 9 has been adorned by luminaries like Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, Andre Iguodala, DeMar DeRozan, Dwayne Wade, and even LeBron James in previous stints.
Stephen Curry and the Historic No. 4
For Stephen Curry, wearing No. 4 brings a sense of pride and responsibility. Acknowledging his predecessors, Curry remarked, "That's a pretty solid list." The list of players who have worn No. 4 for Team USA includes Jimmy Butler, Chauncey Billups, Carlos Boozer, and the ever-controversial Allen Iverson. With Curry’s sharpshooting skills and leadership on the floor, he will look to continue the strong tradition associated with this number.
As the USA men's basketball national team heads into their upcoming competitions, each jersey number does more than just identify a player; it bridges the past and the present, connecting the lineages of basketball greatness. Each player, from seasoned veterans to promising newcomers, carries not just their own dreams but a legacy built by the giants who came before them. Such an approach underscores the respect and responsibility they hold towards the greats of the game, providing an additional motivator to excel in their quest for gold.