The Most Iconic NBA Players Who Wore Jersey Number 21 Throughout History

As I sit here reflecting on the most iconic NBA players who wore jersey number 21, I can't help but think about that raw quote from boxing that's been stuck in my head: "A draw seemed very weird to me. And to be robbed of a chance to make history, it's just sick." That sentiment resonates deeply when I consider how some of these incredible athletes were robbed of their rightful place in basketball history due to injuries, shortened careers, or simply being overshadowed by their contemporaries. Throughout my years covering the NBA, I've developed a particular fascination with number 21 - there's something special about this digit that seems to attract extraordinary talent and unforgettable personalities.

When I think of number 21, my mind immediately goes to Tim Duncan, who wore it for all 19 seasons with the San Antonio Spurs. The man was simply a basketball genius - 5 championships, 3 Finals MVPs, and 15 All-Star appearances. What many casual fans don't realize is that Duncan actually sacrificed nearly $40 million in potential earnings throughout his career to help the Spurs maintain competitive rosters. That's the kind of selflessness you rarely see in modern sports. I remember watching him in the 2003 Finals against the Nets when he nearly recorded a quadruple-double in the clinching game - 21 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists, and 8 blocks. Absolute mastery of the game that we may never see again from a big man.

Then there's Kevin Garnett, whose intensity in his Minnesota Timberwolves days defined an era. I'll never forget being at the Target Center in 2004 when he won MVP - the energy in that building was electric. Garnett revolutionized the power forward position with his ability to handle the ball, shoot from outside, and defend all five positions. His 2003-04 season was one for the ages: 24.2 points, 13.9 rebounds, 5 assists per game while leading the league in rebounds for the fourth straight year. What made him truly special though was his defensive presence - he could single-handedly transform a team's entire defensive identity, something analytics still struggle to fully capture.

We can't discuss number 21 without mentioning Dominique Wilkins, the Human Highlight Film. I still get chills thinking about his legendary dunk contest battles with Michael Jordan. Wilkins averaged over 26 points per game for his career and won the scoring title in 1986 with 30.3 points per game. His comeback from an Achilles tendon rupture in 1992 was nothing short of miraculous - he returned to average 29.9 points the following season when most players would have retired. That's the kind of determination that separates the good from the truly iconic.

There are others who deserve mention - like Bill Sharman, who made the number famous back in the 50s, or Michael Cooper whose defensive prowess helped the Showtime Lakers to multiple championships. But for me, what makes these number 21 players so compelling is how they each faced their own version of being "robbed of history" - whether it was Garnett's early years in Minnesota without adequate support, Wilkins never winning a championship, or Duncan's quiet dominance being overlooked in favor of flashier stars. They persevered through setbacks that would have broken lesser players, and in doing so, created legacies that continue to inspire new generations of basketball lovers. Their stories remind us that greatness isn't just about statistics and championships - it's about resilience, character, and leaving the game better than you found it.