In an age-old tradition of reverence and respect, each player of the USA men's basketball national team has been gifted a bag tag that lists the names of the basketball legends who previously donned their jersey numbers. This is a symbolic gesture, illustrating the continuity and legacy inherent in representing Team USA on the international stage.
Jersey Legends and Those Who Follow
One player embracing this legacy is Jayson Tatum, who will don the No. 10 jersey. This number carries a rich historical weight, having been worn by icons such as Kevin Garnett, Reggie Miller, Anthony Edwards, and Kobe Bryant. Tatum stands on the shoulders of these giants, ready to contribute his chapter to the storied No. 10.
Bam Adebayo, an emerging force for the Miami Heat, will wear No. 13 in Paris, aligning himself with the number he wears for his NBA team. Adebayo follows in the footsteps of basketball legends Tim Duncan and Kevin Love, who sported No. 13 during the 2004 and 2012 Olympics, respectively. Shaquille O'Neal’s dominance with the same number in the 1992 and 1996 Games further underscores the importance of this jersey. "I love the number because my mother also wore it in high school," Adebayo explained, adding a personal touch to his choice.
LeBron James' Fourth Olympic Venture
The indomitable LeBron James embarks on his fourth Olympic journey, set to wear No. 6, a number steeped in history. Team USA coach Steve Kerr wore the same number during the 1986 FIBA World Cup, while Penny Hardaway, Patrick Ewing, and Bill Russell have also graced the court in the revered No. 6. LeBron’s presence alone elevates the team's prospects, symbolizing both experience and excellence.
Emerging Talents Embracing the Legacy
Young star Tyrese Haliburton, set to wear No. 9, reflects on this unexpected honor with humility and excitement. "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. The number he wears has seen extraordinary talents like Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, Andre Iguodala, DeMar DeRozan, Dwayne Wade, and even LeBron James during his earlier Olympic appearances. Haliburton added confidently, "It's a pretty good crew."
Stephen Curry, one of basketball's most electrifying players, will be stepping onto the court wearing No. 4. The number carries with it the legacy of Jimmy Butler, Chauncey Billups, Carlos Boozer, and Allen Iverson. Reflecting on this lineage, Curry commented, "That's a pretty solid list," noting the impressive company he joins.
For these talented athletes, each jersey number is more than a mere identifier. It's a symbol of hope, a connection to past greatness, and a torch to be carried forward. As they lace up their sneakers and take to the international court, these players are well aware they are not just playing for themselves, but for the legends who came before them and those who will follow in their footsteps.