The USA men's basketball national team is gearing up for another strong showing in the Olympics, and this time, players will take the court with the weight of history on their backs—quite literally. Each player received a bag tag listing the names of legends who previously donned their jersey numbers, blending tradition with present-day expectations.
Jayson Tatum Honors No. 10
Jayson Tatum will wear the No. 10 jersey, a number previously worn by the likes of Kevin Garnett, Reggie Miller, Anthony Edwards, and the iconic Kobe Bryant. This lineage of basketball excellence sets a high bar for Tatum, but also serves as a source of inspiration for this rising star as he aims to etch his name alongside some of basketball's greatest athletes.
Bam Adebayo Connects with No. 13
Bam Adebayo will be seen sporting the No. 13 jersey in Paris. Previously, this jersey was worn by Tim Duncan in the 2004 Olympics, Kevin Love in 2012, and Shaquille O'Neal during the 1992 and 1996 Games. Interestingly, Adebayo also wears No. 13 for the Miami Heat.
Adebayo shared a personal connection to the number: "I love the number because my mother also wore it in high school.” This poignant detail brings an emotional depth to his choice, underscoring the personal significance that lies beneath the public display of numbers.
LeBron James Continues Legacy with No. 6
LeBron James, a veteran of Olympic basketball, will be playing in his fourth Games. This time, he will don the No. 6 jersey. Team USA coach Steve Kerr wore the same number during the 1986 FIBA World Cup, and the legend of the No. 6 jersey extends further with icons like Penny Hardaway, Patrick Ewing, and Bill Russell having worn it.
New Faces, Historic Numbers
Tyrese Haliburton will wear No. 9, stepping into the shoes of Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, Andre Iguodala, DeMar DeRozan, Dwayne Wade, and even LeBron James, all of whom have worn this number for Team USA in the past.
Haliburton's reaction to the assignment reflected humility and gratitude: "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 further added, "It's a pretty good crew," acknowledging the esteemed lineage associated with the number.
Stephen Curry’s New Number
Stephen Curry will take on the No. 4 jersey, previously sported by Jimmy Butler, Chauncey Billups, Carlos Boozer, and Allen Iverson. Known for his sharp shooting and dynamic play, Curry commented on the history of No. 4, noting, "That's a pretty solid list." His excitement and respect for those who wore the number before him underline his commitment to uphold the high standards set by prior American basketball greats.
As the USA men's basketball national team prepares for the Paris Olympics, the significance of their jersey numbers carries added weight. The historical context provided by the bag tags ensures that each player enters the Games with a clear sense of the legacy they are part of. For fans and team members alike, these storied numbers encapsulate decades of basketball excellence and the promise of future triumphs.