The USA men's basketball national team continues to honor the legacy of past legends by connecting current players with the history of their jersey numbers. In an engaging act of reverence, each player has received a bag tag listing the names of iconic figures who wore their jersey number before them.
Jersey Assignments and the Legends Behind Them
Jayson Tatum, the Boston Celtics star, will don the No. 10 jersey for Team USA. This number holds a place of prominence in basketball history, having been previously worn by luminaries such as Kevin Garnett, Reggie Miller, Anthony Edwards, and the late Kobe Bryant. Tatum stepping into these shoes underscores the high expectations and deep respect for the lineage of great players who have set the standard.
Bam Adebayo, known for his impact with the Miami Heat, where he also wears No. 13, will continue to represent this number in Paris. It's a jersey number rich with history, as Tim Duncan and Kevin Love sported it during the 2004 and 2012 Olympics, respectively. Furthermore, Shaquille O'Neal made the No. 13 famous during the 1992 and 1996 Games. Reflecting on his connection to the number, Adebayo shared, "I love the number because my mother also wore it in high school."
LeBron's Fourth Olympic Journey
LeBron James is gearing up for his fourth Olympic Games, a testament to his enduring excellence and commitment to representing his country. This time, he will wear the No. 6 jersey. The number itself carries significant weight, having been worn by Team USA head coach Steve Kerr during the 1986 FIBA World Cup, as well as other greats like Penny Hardaway, Patrick Ewing, and Bill Russell. Such a lineage only adds to the aura surrounding James's participation in the upcoming games.
Next Wave of Stars
Among the fresh faces making their mark, Tyrese Haliburton has been assigned the No. 9 jersey. This particular number has a storied past, having been worn by a celebrated cadre of players including Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, Andre Iguodala, DeMar DeRozan, Dwayne Wade, and LeBron James himself. It’s no small feat to carry on such a legacy, but Haliburton seems both humbled and ready. "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," Haliburton remarked, adding, "It's a pretty good crew."
Stephen Curry, known for his precision shooting and leadership, will wear the No. 4 jersey. Previously adorned by notable athletes such as Jimmy Butler, Chauncey Billups, Carlos Boozer, and Allen Iverson, it’s a number steeped in excellence. Upon seeing the list of his number's history, Curry simply stated, "That's a pretty solid list."
As the team prepares for the challenges ahead, the blend of established veterans and emerging talent sporting these historically significant jersey numbers exemplifies both a respect for the past and an excitement for the future. This symbolic gesture of linking players with the rich history of their jersey numbers underscores the continuity and heritage of excellence that defines USA Basketball.
The anticipation builds as these athletes, infused with historical significance and personal pride, step onto the global stage. Their performances, buoyed by the legacies they carry on their backs, promise not just a show of physical prowess, but a testament to the enduring legacy of greatness that each number represents.