As the USA men's basketball national team heads into another chapter of Olympic history, players are donning jersey numbers steeped in legacy. Each player now carries a piece of that legacy with them, courtesy of bag tags listing the names of legends who previously wore their jersey numbers. This thoughtful gesture not only honors past greats but also inspires the current roster to leave their own mark.
Jayson Tatum and the Legacy of No. 10
Jayson Tatum, stepping into the iconic No. 10 jersey, inherits a proud lineage that includes Kevin Garnett, Reggie Miller, Anthony Edwards, and the incomparable Kobe Bryant. As Tatum prepares for the international stage, the weight of expectations and history will be a source of motivation rather than pressure, inspiring him to strive for greatness.
Bam Adebayo Embraces No. 13
Bam Adebayo will be sporting the No. 13 jersey, both a familiar and significant choice. "I love the number because my mother also wore it in high school," Adebayo shares, reflecting on the personal and historical significance of the number. Tim Duncan and Kevin Love dominated the hardwood in No. 13 during the 2004 and 2012 Olympics, respectively, while Shaquille O'Neal ruled both the 1992 and 1996 Games in the same number. Currently, Adebayo also wears No. 13 for the Miami Heat, making this selection a natural fit for him as he continues to build on his legacy.
LeBron James Poised for a Fourth Olympics
Veteran superstar LeBron James is set to make his fourth Olympic appearance. Retaining his familiar No. 6 jersey, he joins a pantheon of past legends that includes Team USA coach Steve Kerr, who wore No. 6 during the 1986 FIBA World Cup, and greats like Penny Hardaway, Patrick Ewing, and Bill Russell. James will aim to bring his wealth of experience and leadership to propel Team USA towards gold.
Young Guns Step into Big Shoes
Tyrese Haliburton, one of the younger members of the team, will wear No. 9—a number carried by basketball royalty. Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, Andre Iguodala, DeMar DeRozan, Dwayne Wade, and even LeBron James have previously donned this iconic number. Haliburton humbly states, "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 adds with a nod to the jersey's storied past, "It's a pretty good crew."
Stephen Curry's New Number
Stephen Curry, a luminary in his own right, will wear No. 4. This number has previously been graced by Jimmy Butler, Chauncey Billups, Carlos Boozer, and the ever-controversial Allen Iverson. Curry's addition to this list only enhances its prestige. Reflecting on those who've worn No. 4 before him, Curry remarks, "That's a pretty solid list."
The confluence of old and new under the iconic banner of Team USA creates an atmosphere brimming with historic reverence and aspirational energy. As these athletes don their numbers and take to the court, they carry with them not just their own dreams, but also the legacy of those who paved the way. Their jerseys serve as a fabric connecting different eras of basketball greatness, fostering a deep sense of pride and responsibility.