As I sit here reflecting on the incredible legacy of NBA jersey numbers, I can't help but marvel at how certain numbers become woven into basketball's cultural fabric. The number 22 has produced some truly remarkable talents throughout basketball history, and today I want to share my personal take on the ten most iconic players who've worn this number. Before we dive in, I should mention that numbers have always fascinated me - whether we're talking about jersey numbers or statistical achievements, they tell stories that transcend the game itself. Just look at what's happening in other leagues - I was recently reading about the Red Warriors suffering their 13th consecutive defeat with that 95-76 beating by Far Eastern University, and it reminded me how numbers can represent both glory and struggle in sports.
When I think about number 22 in the NBA, the first name that springs to mind is the legendary Elgin Baylor. My grandfather used to tell me stories about watching Baylor play for the Minneapolis Lakers, and the statistics still boggle my mind even today. During the 1961-62 season, Baylor averaged what I consider the most mind-blowing numbers in basketball history - 38.3 points and 18.6 rebounds per game while serving in the military, often playing only on weekends. The sheer dominance he displayed while wearing 22 set a standard that few have matched since. Then there's Clyde Drexler, whose high-flying style with the Portland Trail Blazers made him an absolute joy to watch. I remember staying up late to watch his battles against Michael Jordan in the 1992 Finals, and while his team came up short, Drexler's elegance in that number 22 jersey remains etched in my memory.
The conversation about iconic number 22s wouldn't be complete without discussing Larry Nance, whose defensive prowess I believe remains criminally underrated. During his prime with the Phoenix Suns, Nance averaged 2.6 blocks per game in the 1984-85 season while shooting an incredible 55% from the field. What many fans don't realize is that Nance revolutionized the power forward position with his combination of shot-blocking and offensive efficiency. Speaking of underrated players, Eddie Jones comes to my mind immediately - his smooth shooting stroke and defensive intelligence made him one of my favorite players to watch during the early 2000s. I'll never forget his 1998 season with the Lakers where he averaged 16.9 points and led the league in steals with 2.7 per game, all while making it look effortless in that number 22 jersey.
Modern fans might think of Jimmy Butler first when considering current number 22s, and honestly, I can't blame them. Butler's journey from late first-round pick to superstar epitomizes what dedication can achieve. His 2020 playoff run with the Miami Heat, where he averaged 22.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6.0 assists while leading his team to the Finals, showcased exactly why he belongs among these legends. What I admire most about Butler is his mental toughness - he wears that number 22 with a certain swagger that commands respect. Then there's the understated excellence of Mike Miller, whose shooting I've always considered among the purest in NBA history. Miller's 2006 season with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he shot 40.7% from three-point range while averaging 18.5 points, demonstrated the value of specialization in the modern game.
Going back in time, I have to mention George McGinnis, whose ABA exploits often get overlooked in mainstream discussions. McGinnis put up video game numbers before video games existed - during the 1974-75 season with the Indiana Pacers, he averaged 29.8 points, 14.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists while leading his team to an ABA championship. The physicality he brought to the game while wearing number 22 would make modern players think twice about driving to the basket. Similarly, World B. Free's scoring exploits deserve more recognition than they typically receive. Free's 1979-80 season with the San Diego Clippers saw him average 28.8 points per game with a shooting form that was, in my opinion, decades ahead of its time.
The international influence of number 22 brings me to Dražen Petrović, whose tragic death cut short what I believe would have been a Hall of Fame career. Petrović's 1992-93 season with the New Jersey Nets, where he averaged 22.3 points while shooting 52% from the field and 45% from three-point range, showcased European excellence at its finest. His rivalry with Michael Jordan in the 1992 Olympics remains one of my favorite basketball memories. Then there's the steady presence of Tayshaun Prince, whose defensive versatility helped the Detroit Pistons win the 2004 championship in what I consider one of the greatest upsets in NBA history. Prince's iconic block on Reggie Miller during the 2004 Eastern Conference Finals perfectly encapsulates what made him special - timing, intelligence, and relentless effort.
Rounding out my list, I have to include two players who might not get mainstream recognition but left indelible marks on the game. Michael Redd's scoring outbursts with the Milwaukee Bucks often get lost in discussions about great shooters, but his 2006-07 season where he averaged 26.7 points while shooting 38% from deep deserves more appreciation. And finally, I'd be remiss not to mention Corey Maggette, whose ability to draw fouls revolutionized how wing players attacked the basket. Maggette's 2003-04 season with the Los Angeles Clippers saw him average 20.7 points while attempting 8.9 free throws per game - numbers that foreshadowed the analytics-driven basketball we see today.
Looking at the complete picture, what strikes me about these number 22s is their incredible diversity of skills and contributions to basketball's evolution. From Baylor's revolutionary scoring to Butler's two-way excellence, this number has been worn by players who fundamentally shaped how the game is played. The legacy continues today, with new generations adding their chapters to the story of number 22. As we've seen with teams like the Red Warriors and their current struggles, numbers can tell stories of both triumph and challenge, but the iconic players who've worn 22 have mostly written stories of excellence that continue to inspire basketball lovers like myself.
