As Team USA gears up for the upcoming Olympic Games, the players have been bestowed with a special touch of history, receiving bag tags that feature the names of basketball legends who once wore their jersey numbers. This symbolic gesture serves as a poignant reminder of the legacy and tradition that each player carries with them onto the court.
Jersey Number Heritage
Jayson Tatum will don the coveted No. 10 jersey, a number previously worn by such luminaries as Kevin Garnett, Reggie Miller, Anthony Edwards, and the late, great Kobe Bryant. This number is not just a digit but a badge of honor, embodying a rich history of sportsmanship and greatness.
Bam Adebayo will be sporting No. 13 in Paris, a jersey number with its own storied past. Tim Duncan and Kevin Love carried No. 13 through the 2004 and 2012 Olympics, respectively. Another towering figure, Shaquille O'Neal, represented Team USA with No. 13 in the 1992 and 1996 Games. Interestingly, Adebayo also wears No. 13 for the Miami Heat, further solidifying his connection to the numeral.
Expressing his personal affection for the number, Adebayo said, "I love the number because my mother also wore it in high school." This sentimental attachment adds an extra layer of meaning to his choice of jersey number.
LeBron James Continues His Olympic Journey
LeBron James, set to compete in his fourth Olympic Games, will wear the No. 6 jersey. This isn't the first time James will don this number for Team USA, and he joins a distinguished list of players who have worn No. 6, including Team USA coach Steve Kerr, who wore it during the 1986 FIBA World Cup. Other notable players include Penny Hardaway, Patrick Ewing, and Bill Russell, all of whom added their own chapters to the legacy of the number.
New Faces, Historic Numbers
Tyrese Haliburton is a newer face on the team and will be wearing No. 9. He joins an illustrious group that includes Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, Andre Iguodala, DeMar DeRozan, Dwayne Wade, and LeBron James himself. Despite being relatively young, Haliburton acknowledges the significance of his jersey. "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 with a smile. Reflecting on the past wearers of No. 9, he added, "It's a pretty good crew."
Stephen Curry Wears No. 4
Stephen Curry will be wearing No. 4, a number that has seen its fair share of greatness. Previous bearers include Jimmy Butler, Chauncey Billups, Carlos Boozer, and Allen Iverson. Known for his sharp shooting and impeccable play, Curry feels honored to be part of this exclusive list, noting, "That's a pretty solid list."
Team USA’s careful selection of jersey numbers and the imparting of historical context to the players serve as a significant motivational tool. It allows the current team members to feel a deeper connection to the legacy of American basketball and the giants who preceded them.
As these athletes prepare to take to the global stage, they do so with the weight of history on their shoulders—but also with the inspiration that comes from knowing they’re part of something much greater than themselves. This unique blend of past and present makes the journey to Olympic glory all the more meaningful for Team USA.