As the USA men's basketball national team prepares for the upcoming Olympic Games, a rich tradition of excellence and pride in representing the country is being carried forward by its newest members. Each player has received a poignant reminder of this legacy in the form of a bag tag listing the names of previous legends who wore their jersey numbers.
Honoring Legends: Jayson Tatum and the No. 10 Jersey
Jayson Tatum, the young star of the Boston Celtics, will don the No. 10 jersey. This number has a storied history, with former wearers including Kevin Garnett, Reggie Miller, Anthony Edwards, and the late, great Kobe Bryant. For Tatum, this is an opportunity to add his chapter to a book already filled with basketball greats.
Bam Adebayo and the Significance of No. 13
Bam Adebayo will wear No. 13 as he competes in Paris, a number that holds a personal and historical significance for the Miami Heat star. "I love the number because my mother also wore it in high school," Adebayo shared. This connection adds a layer of sentimental value to a jersey number previously worn by icons like Tim Duncan and Kevin Love during the 2004 and 2012 Olympics, respectively, and Shaquille O'Neal in the 1992 and 1996 Games. For Adebayo, who also sports No. 13 for the Miami Heat, the chance to wear this number at the Olympics brings his career full circle.
The Iconic No. 6: LeBron James and a Lineage of Greatness
LeBron James is set to make history by playing in his fourth Olympic Games, adding another milestone to an illustrious career. James will wear the No. 6 jersey, a number rich in heritage. This jersey was once worn by Team USA coach Steve Kerr during the 1986 FIBA World Cup, and basketball legends such as Penny Hardaway, Patrick Ewing, and Bill Russell. As James steps onto the court, he will not only be aiming to lead his team but also to honor the legacy of those who came before him.
Tyrese Haliburton's Unexpected Journey with No. 9
Tyrese Haliburton, another rising star, has been assigned the No. 9 jersey. The lineage of No. 9 is particularly prestigious, featuring names like Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, Andre Iguodala, DeMar DeRozan, Dwayne Wade, and LeBron James. Despite the prestigious company, Haliburton takes a humble approach to his assignment. "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 said. He also acknowledged the honor of carrying forward such a legacy, stating, "It's a pretty good crew."
Stephen Curry and the Legacy of No. 4
Stephen Curry, widely regarded as the best shooter in basketball history, will wear the No. 4 jersey. Previous holders of this number include Jimmy Butler, Chauncey Billups, Carlos Boozer, and Allen Iverson. Acknowledging the weight of the legacy, Curry noted, "That's a pretty solid list," underscoring the significance of continuing the tradition.
In sum, Team USA's current roster is not just playing for personal glory or national pride; each player is stepping into the shoes of giants who have set the standards over decades. These jersey numbers are more than fabric and numerals; they are symbols of a storied tradition that each player is poised to honor with their performance on the world stage.
As the games approach, fans and players alike will look forward to seeing how this blend of young talent and seasoned experience carries forward the mantle of past legends, aiming to achieve greatness and add to the rich history of USA basketball.