In preparation for the upcoming Olympic Games, the USA men's basketball national team has added a personal touch to their team gear by giving each player a bag tag listing the names of legends who previously wore their jersey numbers. This simple yet effective gesture serves as a reminder of the storied legacy they are continuing, paying homage to the greats who have represented Team USA in years past.
Honoring the Legends
Jayson Tatum, set to don the No. 10 jersey, steps into a line of illustrious predecessors. The number has a rich history, having been worn by iconic players such as Kevin Garnett, Reggie Miller, Anthony Edwards, and, of course, Kobe Bryant. The weight of this legacy is not lost on Tatum as he prepares to carry the number forward.
Bam Adebayo will wear No. 13 in Paris, a number he also sports for the Miami Heat. This jersey number boasts a lineage featuring NBA giants like Tim Duncan and Kevin Love, who wore it during the 2004 and 2012 Olympics, respectively. Shaquille O'Neal, another legend of the game, represented Team USA in the 1992 and 1996 Games wearing No. 13. For Adebayo, the number holds even more personal significance. "I love the number because my mother also wore it in high school," Adebayo shared.
LeBron James: A Veteran Presence
LeBron James, making his fourth appearance in the Olympic Games, will take to the court wearing the No. 6 jersey. This number has been worn by several notable players, including Team USA coach Steve Kerr during the 1986 FIBA World Cup, as well as Penny Hardaway, Patrick Ewing, and Bill Russell. The continuity of history is clear as James prepares to once again represent his country on the global stage.
Young Stars and Their Numbers
Tyrese Haliburton, a rising star in the league, has been assigned the No. 9 jersey. He follows in the footsteps of basketball titans such as Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, Andre Iguodala, DeMar DeRozan, Dwayne Wade, and LeBron James, who have all previously worn this number. Appreciative of its legacy, Haliburton remarked, "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." Recognizing the historic lineage, he added, "It's a pretty good crew."
Stephen Curry, one of the most prolific shooters in NBA history, will wear No. 4. This number has its own proud history, having been graced by players like Jimmy Butler, Chauncey Billups, Carlos Boozer, and Allen Iverson. Weighing in on the honor, Curry commented, "That's a pretty solid list."
The tradition of passing down jersey numbers not only enriches the team's heritage but also serves as a motivational bridge connecting generations of players. Each number worn on the court represents a legacy of excellence, hard work, and dedication, qualities that the current squad will be mindful to uphold as they aim for Olympic glory. As they suit up, the players are not just carrying forward a number but are continuing stories of past triumphs and setting the stage for future victories.