In a nod to the storied legacy of USA Basketball, players on the USA men's basketball national team will step onto the court in Paris with a profound sense of history stitched into their jerseys. Each athlete has received a bag tag listing the names of legends who previously wore their jersey numbers, binding them to the legacy of the greats who came before them.
Jayson Tatum and the Iconic No. 10
Jayson Tatum, suiting up in the No. 10 jersey, finds himself following in the footsteps of some of the game’s titans. Kevin Garnett, Reggie Miller, Anthony Edwards, and the legendary Kobe Bryant all donned No. 10 for Team USA. It's a tradition rich with excellence, and Tatum will undoubtedly seek to honor it with his performance in Paris.
Bam Adebayo Honors the Greats with No. 13
Bam Adebayo will carry No. 13, a number he has made his own with the Miami Heat. His connection to the digit is deepened by his personal history: "I love the number because my mother also wore it in high school," Adebayo shared. The legacy of No. 13 is illustrious, with Tim Duncan and Kevin Love representing it in the 2004 and 2012 Olympics, respectively. Shaquille O'Neal further solidified the number's prominence by wearing it in 1992 and 1996. As Adebayo gears up for Paris, he aims to add another chapter of greatness under this revered number.
LeBron James Poised for Fourth Olympic Journey
LeBron James, set to compete in his fourth Olympic Games, will wear No. 6. This number also bears significant weight, worn by Team USA coach Steve Kerr during the 1986 FIBA World Cup, as well as by legends Penny Hardaway, Patrick Ewing, and Bill Russell. James' continual presence at the Olympics is a testament to his enduring excellence and leadership on the court.
Tyrese Haliburton's Opportunity with No. 9
Tyrese Haliburton, one of the younger members of the squad, will don the No. 9 jersey. His selection came with a recognition of the honor bestowed upon him: "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 added, "It's a pretty good crew." The No. 9 jersey has a storied past, worn by icons like Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, Andre Iguodala, DeMar DeRozan, Dwayne Wade, and even LeBron James. Haliburton will seek to uphold this rich legacy and contribute significantly to his team.
Stephen Curry and the Legacy of No. 4
Stephen Curry will embrace the No. 4 jersey, a number previously sported by players who have left a lasting mark on Team USA. Jimmy Butler, Chauncey Billups, Carlos Boozer, and Allen Iverson all carried the banner of No. 4. Curry, known for his sharpshooting prowess and on-court ingenuity, acknowledged the impressive lineage attached to his number: "That's a pretty solid list."
As these players prepare to make their mark in Paris, they carry with them not only their own talents and aspirations but also the legacies of those who have defined excellence for USA Basketball. The interplay of history and present-day talent ensures that every fan will be privy to a seamless blend of past glory and current brilliance, setting the stage for another captivating chapter in the annals of Olympic basketball.