As the USA men's basketball national team gears up for another grand showing at the Olympics, the significance of the jersey numbers they will don cannot be overstated. Each player has received a bag tag listing the names of legends who previously wore their numbers, adding a layer of inspiration and responsibility to their Olympic journey.
Jayson Tatum and the Legendary No. 10
Jayson Tatum will proudly wear the iconic No. 10 jersey, a number that boasts a remarkable legacy within Team USA. Renowned players such as Kevin Garnett, Reggie Miller, Anthony Edwards, and the late Kobe Bryant have graced the courts with this number. Tatum's inclusion in this list not only highlights his immense potential but also bridges the past and present generations of basketball excellence.
Bam Adebayo Continues the Tradition of No. 13
Bam Adebayo will take to the court in Paris wearing No. 13, both for Team USA and his NBA team, the Miami Heat. This number has a storied history, having been worn by legends like Tim Duncan and Kevin Love during the 2004 and 2012 Olympics, respectively. Additionally, the dominant Shaquille O'Neal represented Team USA with No. 13 in the 1992 and 1996 Games.
Adebayo's connection to the number is also deeply personal. "I love the number because my mother also wore it in high school," he shared, adding an emotional touch to his selection.
LeBron James and the Enduring No. 6
LeBron James is set to participate in his fourth Olympic Games, a testament to his enduring greatness and commitment to the sport. He will sport the No. 6 jersey, a number that carries its own historic weight. Team USA coach Steve Kerr wore No. 6 during the 1986 FIBA World Cup, and legends like Penny Hardaway, Patrick Ewing, and Bill Russell have also donned this number on the international stage.
Tyrese Haliburton Embarks on His Olympic Journey with No. 9
Newcomer Tyrese Haliburton will wear the No. 9 jersey, a number that has been synonymous with some of the game's greatest stars. Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, Andre Iguodala, DeMar DeRozan, Dwayne Wade, and even LeBron James have previously represented Team USA with No. 9.
Haliburton seems genuinely appreciative of his assigned number. "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 remarked. Reflecting on the roster of legends associated with the number, he added, "It's a pretty good crew."
Stephen Curry and the Revered No. 4
Stephen Curry, another cornerstone of modern basketball excellence, will take on the Olympics wearing No. 4. This number has been worn by an illustrious group of players including Jimmy Butler, Chauncey Billups, Carlos Boozer, and Allen Iverson.
Curry himself acknowledged the prestige associated with No. 4, succinctly noting, "That's a pretty solid list."
With each jersey number steeped in history, the current roster of Team USA players is not just playing for a medal but also contributing to a living legacy. As they step onto the court, the echoes of past legends will undoubtedly resonate, inspiring them to carve out their own chapters in the annals of Olympic basketball history.