As I sit here reflecting on the incredible legacy of NBA jersey numbers, I can't help but feel particularly drawn to number 22. There's something special about this number that has attracted some truly remarkable basketball talent throughout the decades. While researching this piece, I came across a recent basketball game where the Red Warriors suffered their 13th consecutive defeat with a 95-76 loss to Far Eastern University. That scoreline got me thinking about how wearing a particular number doesn't guarantee success, but the players who've worn 22 throughout NBA history have consistently demonstrated what excellence looks like on the court.
I've always believed that jersey numbers develop their own personality over time, and number 22 has become synonymous with versatile forwards who could do a bit of everything. When I think about the greatest to wear this number, my mind immediately goes to Elgin Baylor, who was putting up video game numbers before video games even existed. The man averaged 38.3 points and 18.6 rebounds during the 1961-62 season - numbers that still seem almost impossible today. What made Baylor special wasn't just his scoring; it was his revolutionary style that combined grace with power in ways the league had never seen before. He played above the rim when most players were strictly ground-bound, and his body control in mid-air was decades ahead of its time. Watching old footage of Baylor, you can see the blueprint for every high-flying forward who came after him.
Then there's Clyde Drexler, who made number 22 iconic during his time with the Trail Blazers and Rockets. I remember watching Drexler in his prime and being amazed by his effortless glide to the basket - they didn't call him "Clyde the Glide" for nothing. What many younger fans might not realize is that Drexler was putting up triple-doubles before they became fashionable, with his 1991-92 season being particularly spectacular with averages of 25 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists. His ability to transition from defense to offense was breathtaking, and he played with a smoothness that made everything look easy. When he finally won his championship with Houston in 1995, it felt like justice for one of the game's true gentlemen.
The conversation about great number 22s wouldn't be complete without mentioning Larry Nance, whose defensive prowess often gets overlooked in today's highlight-reel culture. Nance blocked 2.2 shots per game while also developing a reliable mid-range jumper - a combination that would be incredibly valuable in today's NBA. I've always appreciated players who excel at the less glamorous aspects of the game, and Nance was the prototype for the modern two-way big man. His son carrying on the legacy while wearing the same number adds a beautiful symmetry to their family's basketball story.
More recently, we've seen Jimmy Butler adopt number 22 during his rise to stardom, though he's since changed numbers. During his Chicago Bulls days, Butler developed into an All-Star while wearing 22, averaging 23.9 points in his first All-Star season. His relentless work ethic and two-way play felt appropriate for the number's legacy. There's something about Butler's blue-collar approach that resonates with the history of this number - it's never been about flash, but about getting the job done through skill and determination.
What strikes me about these players is how they each embodied different aspects of basketball excellence while sharing the same number. Baylor brought artistic flair and scoring brilliance, Drexler combined elegance with all-around excellence, Nance provided defensive mastery, and Butler continues the tradition of two-way toughness. They prove that a number can become a symbol of certain basketball virtues, passed down from one generation to the next like a family heirloom.
The recent struggles of teams like the Red Warriors, who've now lost 13 straight games including that 95-76 defeat, remind us that success in basketball requires more than just talented individuals - it demands the right combination of players, system, and mentality. The great number 22s understood this, often serving as the crucial bridge between different eras of their franchises or providing the missing piece for championship aspirations.
As I look at today's NBA, I wonder who might next take up the mantle of number 22 and add to its rich history. The number currently flies somewhat under the radar, without a superstar claimant, but that only means the next chapter in its story remains unwritten. Based on the pattern we've seen, I'd expect the next great number 22 to be a versatile forward who can impact the game in multiple ways - someone who understands that this number carries with it certain expectations of all-around excellence. The legacy continues, waiting for the right player to write the next paragraph in this ongoing basketball story.