In preparation for the upcoming Olympic Games, each player of the USA men's basketball national team has received a special keepsake - a bag tag listing the names of legendary predecessors who wore their jersey numbers. This thoughtful gesture connects the current roster with the rich legacy of American basketball.
Jersey No. 10: Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum will don the No. 10 jersey, a number previously worn by icons like Kevin Garnett, Reggie Miller, Anthony Edwards, and, most notably, Kobe Bryant. Tatum has significant shoes to fill, but his immense talent and drive show he's up for the challenge.
Jersey No. 13: Bam Adebayo
Another key player, Bam Adebayo, will sport the No. 13 jersey. Adebayo, who also wears No. 13 for the Miami Heat, follows in the footsteps of legends such as Tim Duncan and Kevin Love from the 2004 and 2012 Olympics, respectively, and Shaquille O'Neal from the 1992 and 1996 Games.
Adebayo expressed a personal connection to his number, saying, "I love the number because my mother also wore it in high school." This personal touch adds emotional weight and inspiration to his game.
Jersey No. 6: LeBron James
LeBron James, one of basketball’s greatest players, will be making his fourth Olympic appearance, this time wearing No. 6. He shares this number with past Team USA greats such as Penny Hardaway, Patrick Ewing, Bill Russell, and even his current coach, Steve Kerr, who wore No. 6 during the 1986 FIBA World Cup.
Jersey No. 9: Tyrese Haliburton
Tyrese Haliburton will represent Team USA in the No. 9 jersey, a number with deep roots in American basketball history. Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, Andre Iguodala, DeMar DeRozan, Dwayne Wade, and LeBron James have all donned this iconic number in past tournaments. Haliburton, the younger player on the team, displayed a humble attitude towards his assignment, saying, "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 acknowledges both the honor and the responsibility that comes with wearing the No. 9 jersey, adding, "It's a pretty good crew."
Jersey No. 4: Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry, known for his remarkable shooting skills and incredible work ethic, will wear No. 4. Previous wearers of this jersey number include Jimmy Butler, Chauncey Billups, Carlos Boozer, and Allen Iverson. Curry’s appreciation for the legacy is evident; he comments, "That's a pretty solid list," recognizing the caliber of players that preceded him.
The significance of these jersey numbers goes beyond the fabric; they symbolize the continuity of excellence and the high standards expected of Team USA players. Each number carries with it a history of remarkable talent, dedication, and unforgettable moments on the court.
As these athletes gear up for Paris, the shadow of past legends will undeniably inspire and motivate them to create new stories and further cement USA Basketball’s storied legacy.