The USA men's basketball national team is gearing up for the Paris Olympics, and with it comes a sense of legacy and pride deeply rooted in the history of the sport. Each player has been thoughtfully presented with a bag tag, listing the names of legends who previously donned their jersey numbers, a reminder of the greatness they carry and a nod to the storied past of Team USA.
Embracing the Legacy
Jayson Tatum, who will proudly wear the No. 10 jersey, steps into the shoes of some of basketball’s most iconic figures. He joins an elite group of players, including Kevin Garnett, Reggie Miller, Anthony Edwards, and the legendary Kobe Bryant, who once wore the same number. Tatum’s inclusion in this list signifies not only his talent but also his potential to leave an indelible mark on the game.
Bam Adebayo, another key figure in this year’s roster, will sport the No. 13 jersey in Paris. His choice is not just a nod to his current role with the Miami Heat but also a reconnection with Team USA’s rich history. Esteemed players like Tim Duncan, Kevin Love, and Shaquille O'Neal have all worn the No. 13 jersey during past Olympic Games, forging a path for Adebayo to follow. Reflecting on his number, Adebayo expressed a personal connection: "I love the number because my mother also wore it in high school."
Veteran Presence and New Faces
LeBron James, a seasoned Olympian preparing for his fourth appearance, will wear the No. 6 jersey. His selection is steeped in history, previously worn by NBA greats like Penny Hardaway, Patrick Ewing, Bill Russell, and even Team USA coach Steve Kerr, who donned it during the 1986 FIBA World Cup. LeBron’s presence brings invaluable experience and leadership to a talented yet relatively young squad.
Meanwhile, Tyrese Haliburton, one of the newer faces on the team, is set to wear No. 9. The significance of this number is not lost on 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 said, acknowledging the impressive lineage that includes Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, Andre Iguodala, DeMar DeRozan, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James. For Haliburton, stepping into this jersey is an honor he did not take lightly, encapsulating it succinctly: "It's a pretty good crew."
Stephen Curry, a perennial fan favorite, will hit the court in the No. 4 jersey. This number has its own revered history, having been previously worn by Jimmy Butler, Chauncey Billups, Carlos Boozer, and Allen Iverson. When asked about the legacy he now carries on his back, Curry simply stated, "That's a pretty solid list," recognizing the greats who have helped shape the identity of Team USA basketball.
Building the Future
As these players prepare to represent the USA on one of the most prestigious stages in sports, each jersey number serves as a powerful reminder of the legacy they aim to uphold. From seasoned veterans like LeBron to newcomers like Haliburton, the thread that ties them together is a shared respect for those who have set the standard before them.
With Steve Kerr at the helm, a coach who himself is entwined with the historic threads of Team USA, the team’s quest for glory in Paris is not just about winning. It's about honoring a tradition, forging new chapters in an already illustrious history, and inspiring the next generation of basketball players. This blend of past, present, and future promises to make this Olympic journey one to remember, both for the players and the fans who fervently support them.