As the USA men's basketball national team gears up for another monumental outing at the Olympics, they carry with them not just the weight of national pride but also the storied legacies of those who have donned their jersey numbers before them. Each player received a bag tag listing the names of legends who previously wore their coveted numbers, an inspirational nod to the rich history of Team USA basketball.
Jayson Tatum and the No. 10 Legacy
Jayson Tatum will step onto the court in Paris wearing the No. 10 jersey—an iconic number that has been worn by basketball giants. Kevin Garnett, Reggie Miller, Anthony Edwards, and the legendary Kobe Bryant have all worn this number, creating an illustrious legacy that Tatum will now carry forward. The significance of this number will undoubtedly serve as a source of inspiration for the young standout as he represents the red, white, and blue.
Bam Adebayo and the No. 13 Tradition
Bam Adebayo, who already proudly sports No. 13 for the Miami Heat, will continue to wear the same number in Paris. Adebayo joins a distinguished list of players such as Tim Duncan and Kevin Love, who wore No. 13 during the 2004 and 2012 Olympics, respectively. The legacy further extends to Shaquille O'Neal, who wore the number in the 1992 and 1996 games.
"I love the number because my mother also wore it in high school," shared Adebayo, adding a personal dimension to his selection. The familial connection to the number not only elevates his sense of pride but also his commitment to uphold the legacy of those who have worn it before him.
LeBron James and His Fourth Olympic Stint
LeBron James, the seasoned veteran, will be playing in his fourth Olympic Games, showcasing his unparalleled longevity and talent. James will don the No. 6 jersey, a number steeped in history. Team USA coach Steve Kerr wore No. 6 during the 1986 FIBA World Cup. NBA legends Penny Hardaway, Patrick Ewing, and Bill Russell have also donned No. 6 for Team USA, making it one of the most revered numbers in the team’s history.
Tyrese Haliburton's Chance to Shine
Tyrese Haliburton, another promising talent, will wear No. 9, joining an impressive roster of previous wearers, including Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, Andre Iguodala, DeMar DeRozan, Dwayne Wade, and LeBron James. "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 commented. His humility and readiness to embrace the prestigious number highlight his eagerness to contribute to the team.
Reflecting on the remarkable names associated with No. 9, Haliburton added, "It's a pretty good crew." Indeed, the young guard is keenly aware of the significant legacy he is set to continue.
Stephen Curry and the Illustrious No. 4
Stephen Curry, renowned for his sharpshooting and leadership on the court, will wear No. 4 for Team USA. This number, too, carries a rich history, previously worn by Jimmy Butler, Chauncey Billups, Carlos Boozer, and Allen Iverson. When asked about the impressive roster of players who have worn No. 4, Curry responded, "That's a pretty solid list," expressing his respect for the predecessors who have set the benchmark for excellence.
As these stars prepare to take on the world, they do so carrying the legacies of some of basketball's greatest legends. Their journey to the Olympics is not just a pursuit of gold but a quest to honor the history of American basketball. The team, guided by their individual and collective inspirations, aims not only to win but to elevate the legacy of Team USA to new heights. The meticulous selection of their jersey numbers stands as a testament to the tradition, pride, and responsibility they shoulder as they step onto the global stage.