Each time a player dons a jersey for Team USA, they are stepping into the shadows of giants who have worn it before them. Ahead of the upcoming games, players on the USA men's basketball national team received a unique memento—a bag tag that lists the names of iconic players who previously sported their jersey numbers, a reminder of the legacy and prestige behind each number.
Jayson Tatum and the Iconic No. 10
Jayson Tatum is set to wear the coveted No. 10 jersey. This number carries a rich history, having been worn by basketball greats such as Kevin Garnett, Reggie Miller, Anthony Edwards, and the legendary Kobe Bryant. Tatum joins an elite group of players, and the anticipation surrounding his performance only heightens as he steps into a role previously held by Hall of Famers and decorated Olympians alike.
Bam Adebayo's Number Choices
Bam Adebayo, known for his dynamic presence on the court, will be wearing No. 13 in Paris. This number comes with its own storied past—Tim Duncan wore it during the 2004 Olympics, while Kevin Love sported it in 2012. Perhaps most notably, Shaquille O'Neal, one of the most dominant centers in basketball history, wore No. 13 in both the 1992 and 1996 Games.
For Adebayo, the connection to the number runs even deeper. "I love the number because my mother also wore it in high school," Adebayo shared, bringing a personal touch to his choice. Interestingly, he also wears No. 13 for the Miami Heat, creating a seamless continuity between his NBA and international careers.
LeBron James Eyes Historical Feat
LeBron James is preparing for his fourth Olympic Games, a testament to his enduring excellence and commitment to representing his country on the global stage. This time, he will take the floor wearing No. 6—a number with a notable lineage in Team USA history. The number has been worn by legends such as Penny Hardaway, Patrick Ewing, Bill Russell, and even Team USA coach Steve Kerr, who wore it during the 1986 FIBA World Cup.
James's inclusion in this elite group cements his status as one of the game's greats, further elevating the profile of the current roster.
Tyrese Haliburton and the No. 9 Legacy
For Tyrese Haliburton, receiving the No. 9 jersey is an unexpected honor. "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 remarked with a grin. The young talent finds himself in elite company, as the number has been previously adorned by basketball icons like Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, Andre Iguodala, DeMar DeRozan, Dwayne Wade, and even LeBron James.
Reflecting on the legacy of the number, Haliburton commented, "It's a pretty good crew." Indeed, wearing No. 9 places him amidst a lineage of basketball excellence, providing both inspiration and a standard to uphold.
Stephen Curry and the Revered No. 4
Stephen Curry will be taking the court in the No. 4 jersey, another number with a profound history within Team USA. Previously worn by Jimmy Butler, Chauncey Billups, Carlos Boozer, and the illustrious Allen Iverson, Curry's choice is yet another spotlight on the deep roster of legends associated with Team USA.
Upon reflecting on the history and legacy of the number, Curry succinctly noted, "That's a pretty solid list." Indeed, the presence of such distinguished predecessors adds a layer of honor and responsibility to Curry’s Olympic journey.
As these players prepare for the upcoming games, the significance of the numbers on their backs serves as a reminder of the storied past and the legacy they carry forward. Each jersey is more than just a number; it's a symbol, a piece of history, and a badge of honor that these players will proudly bear as they strive for gold.