Discover the Top 10 NBA Players Who Wore Jersey Number 21 and Their Legacies

I still remember the first time I saw Tim Duncan's number 21 jersey hanging from the AT&T Center rafters—it struck me how much legacy can be woven into those two digits. Throughout NBA history, jersey number 21 has been worn by some truly remarkable players who left indelible marks on the game, and today I want to explore ten of the most impactful. As someone who's followed basketball for over two decades, I've developed strong opinions about these players and what they represent. The conversation around legacies often reminds me of that raw quote from a boxing commentator about being "robbed of a chance to make history"—it perfectly captures how unfair sports can feel when greatness isn't properly recognized.

When I think about number 21, Dominique Wilkins immediately comes to mind—the Human Highlight Film who scored over 26,000 points in his career. His legacy isn't just in the stats but in how he revolutionized aerial artistry in the 80s. Then there's Kevin Garnett, whose intensity I genuinely believe changed defensive basketball forever. His 2008 championship run with Boston proved that a single player's defensive leadership could transform an entire franchise. Tim Duncan, of course, stands apart with his five championships and fifteen All-Star selections—though personally, I've always found his quiet dominance somewhat underappreciated in mainstream conversations. What fascinates me about these players is how their careers reflect different aspects of competitive spirit. That boxing quote about hating "the ugly side" of sports resonates here—we've seen players like Joel Embiid in recent years face similar frustrations with injuries robbing them of prime opportunities, much like how injuries affected Bill Sharman's later career in the 50s.

The middle tier of number 21 wearers includes fascinating figures like Dave DeBusschere, who made eight consecutive All-Defensive teams—a record that still impresses me decades later. Michael Cooper's defensive versatility with the Showtime Lakers was something I'd argue we don't see enough of in today's game. Then there's Quentin Richardson, who might not have the stats of others but embodied the tough, physical basketball I personally love watching. The international contingent wearing 21—like Boris Diaw and Vlade Divac—brought such unique flavors to the game that expanded what the number represented globally. I can't help but feel that some of these players, like Divac with his career 11.8 points per game, don't get their due because their contributions weren't always flashy.

Looking at contemporary players, Jimmy Butler's adoption of number 21 in Miami continues the tradition of two-way excellence that the jersey seems to attract. His 2020 Finals performance, averaging over 26 points against the Lakers, showed exactly the kind of historic effort that makes sports worth watching. That boxing commentator's frustration with being "robbed of a chance to make history" makes me wonder how many potential legendary moments we've lost from number 21 players due to injuries, bad team situations, or just plain bad luck. Personally, I'd rank Duncan and Garnett as the two most impactful players to wear the number, with Wilkins close behind for his cultural influence on the game's aesthetics.

What strikes me most about these number 21 legends is how their careers collectively represent basketball's evolution while maintaining certain timeless qualities—toughness, versatility, and that relentless pursuit of excellence. Their stories remind me why despite the occasional frustrations—the "ugly sides" of sports the boxing commentator lamented—we remain captivated by these athletes and the numbers they make iconic. The legacy of number 21 continues evolving, but its foundation in basketball history feels permanently secured by these ten remarkable players.