In a tradition that highlights the rich history of the USA men's basketball national team, every player received a bag tag listing the names of legends who previously donned their jersey numbers. This gesture, both a nod to history and a source of inspiration, connects today's stars with basketball's storied past.
Jersey No. 10: The Legacy Continues
Jayson Tatum, a standout forward, will wear the No. 10 jersey in the upcoming competitions. This number carries significant weight, having been worn by basketball icons like Kevin Garnett, Reggie Miller, Anthony Edwards, and the legendary Kobe Bryant. Tatum, known for his scoring prowess and versatility, will undoubtedly aim to live up to the high standards set by these predecessors.
Preserving No. 13's Storied History
Center Bam Adebayo will wear No. 13 in Paris, continuing the legacy of Hall of Famers like Tim Duncan and Kevin Love from the 2004 and 2012 Olympics, respectively. Shaquille O'Neal, another titanic figure in basketball history, also sported No. 13 in the 1992 and 1996 Games. Adebayo expressed his personal connection to the number, sharing, "I love the number because my mother also wore it in high school." This heartfelt sentiment adds another layer to the storied history of the jersey he proudly wears for both Team USA and the Miami Heat.
LeBron James: A Veteran's Journey
Veteran superstar LeBron James will be playing in his fourth Olympic Games, an incredible achievement highlighting his longevity and dominance in the sport. James will don the No. 6 jersey, a number he has worn with distinction in various stints of his career. Interestingly, Team USA coach Steve Kerr, who now guides this talented roster, wore No. 6 during the 1986 FIBA World Cup. The number has also been graced by legends such as Penny Hardaway, Patrick Ewing, and Bill Russell, cementing its place as one of the most revered numbers in basketball history.
Tyrese Haliburton Embraces No. 9
Young guard Tyrese Haliburton will take up the mantle wearing No. 9, a number previously sported by basketball greats like Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, Andre Iguodala, DeMar DeRozan, Dwayne Wade, and LeBron James during their time with Team USA. Haliburton, known for his court vision and playmaking ability, nonchalantly embraced his assignment, stating, "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." Reflecting on the illustrious list of former wearers, he added, "It's a pretty good crew."
Stephen Curry in No. 4
Reigning three-point sharpshooter Stephen Curry will wear No. 4, a number previously associated with stellar performers such as Jimmy Butler, Chauncey Billups, Carlos Boozer, and Allen Iverson. Curry acknowledged the significance of his jersey, commenting succinctly, "That's a pretty solid list." As the linchpin of the Golden State Warriors, Curry's shooting ability and leadership will be pivotal for Team USA's success.
This thoughtful gesture of associating current players with the legends who wore their numbers before them has added a layer of depth and tradition to the team's journey. Each player's connection to their number serves as both a motivation and a reminder of the legacy they uphold. As these athletes step onto the court, they carry with them the weight of history, the pride of representation, and the fiery ambition to carve their own niche in the annals of USA basketball lore.