USA Men's Basketball National Team Jersey Numbers History

In a heartfelt nod to the legends of the game, each player of the USA men's basketball national team has received a bag tag listing the names of previous greats who wore their respective jersey numbers. This symbolic gesture not only connects the present team to its illustrious history but also ignites a sense of pride and honor among the current roster as they prepare for their upcoming challenges.

Tatum to Don No. 10

Jayson Tatum, taking on the mantle of jersey No. 10, joins an elite cadre that includes iconic names like Kevin Garnett, Reggie Miller, Anthony Edwards, and the legendary Kobe Bryant. The weight of such a legacy is substantial, and Tatum will undoubtedly be spurred by the prowess and accomplishments of the figures who wore the number before him.

Adebayo Embodies No. 13

Bam Adebayo will wear No. 13 in Paris, a number with its own storied past. Esteemed players, including Tim Duncan and Kevin Love during the 2004 and 2012 Olympics respectively, and Shaquille O'Neal who made it his own in the 1992 and 1996 Games, have sported this jersey. Interestingly, Adebayo already wears 13 for the Miami Heat, a detail that adds a personal touch to his selection. Expressing his emotional connection, Adebayo shared, "I love the number because my mother also wore it in high school."

LeBron James' Fourth Olympic Journey

LeBron James is no stranger to the Olympic stage, and as he prepares for his fourth appearance, he will be wearing the No. 6 jersey. Previously adorned by the likes of Team USA coach Steve Kerr during the 1986 FIBA World Cup, and other legends such as Penny Hardaway, Patrick Ewing, and Bill Russell, the number carries a legacy of excellence. This continuity of greatness is fitting for a player of James' caliber.

New Era for No. 9 and No. 4

Tyrese Haliburton, stepping into the No. 9 jersey, follows in the formidable footsteps of legends including Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, Andre Iguodala, DeMar DeRozan, Dwayne Wade, and LeBron James. Reflecting on his number assignment, Haliburton humorously remarked, "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." His appreciation of the legacy is clear, noting, "It's a pretty good crew."

Meanwhile, Stephen Curry will represent Team USA wearing No. 4, a number made prestigious by figures like Jimmy Butler, Chauncey Billups, Carlos Boozer, and Allen Iverson. Curry acknowledged the honor with a succinct endorsement, stating, "That's a pretty solid list."

As the USA men's basketball national team gears up for their next chapter, the symbolic gesture of connecting current players with historical greats serves as a potent reminder of the storied legacy they are a part of. Each player wearing a number previously donned by legends imbues them with a sense of responsibility, pride, and motivation to uphold and further the excellence that has come to define Team USA basketball.