football scores today

When I first started covering basketball professionally back in 2007, I noticed something fascinating about jersey numbers—they carry a legacy that transcends individual careers. Number 21 in the NBA isn’t just fabric and stitching; it’s a symbol of versatility, intelligence, and often understated dominance. Over the years, I’ve watched players elevate this number into something iconic, and today, I want to walk you through the ten athletes who truly made it legendary. It’s a topic close to my heart because, as a fan and analyst, I’ve always admired how certain numbers become synonymous with greatness, much like how in European volleyball, rising stars like Veljko Masulovic and Aleksandar Nedeljkovic are carving out their own legacies with their dynamic spiker-blocker duo. In sports, whether it’s basketball or volleyball, numbers can tell stories of resilience and teamwork, and number 21 in the NBA is a prime example of that narrative unfolding across decades.

Let’s kick things off with Tim Duncan, who, in my opinion, is the absolute pinnacle of what number 21 represents. Drafted first overall by the San Antonio Spurs in 1997, Duncan spent his entire 19-year career with the team, amassing five NBA championships, two MVP awards, and 15 All-Star selections. I remember watching him in the 2003 Finals, where he nearly averaged a triple-double—24.2 points, 17 rebounds, and 5.3 blocks per game—and thinking, “This guy is redefining the power forward position.” His fundamental style, often dubbed “boring” by critics, was anything but; it was a masterclass in efficiency and consistency. Off the court, Duncan’s humility and leadership set a standard that influenced an entire generation. Comparing his impact to someone like Kevin Garnett, who also wore 21 but brought a fiercer, more vocal energy, shows how diverse this number’s legacy can be. Garnett, with his 2008 NBA title with the Boston Celtics and his Defensive Player of the Year award, embodied passion, and I’ll never forget his emotional MVP speech in 2004 where he shouted, “Anything is possible!” That raw emotion contrasts sharply with Duncan’s calm demeanor, yet both left an indelible mark.

Moving on, Dominique Wilkins, the “Human Highlight Film,” dazzled fans with his aerial acrobatics while donning number 21 for the Atlanta Hawks. He led the league in scoring in 1986 with 30.3 points per game and delivered some of the most memorable dunk contest performances, including his 1988 battle with Michael Jordan. I had the privilege of interviewing him once, and he told me how the number fueled his confidence, almost like a badge of honor. Then there’s Joel Embiid, the current Philadelphia 76ers star, who’s carrying the torch into the modern era. Since his debut in 2016, Embiid has racked up accolades, including the 2023 MVP award, and his averages of 27.2 points and 11.2 rebounds per game last season are a testament to his dominance. Personally, I think he’s one of the most complete centers we’ve seen, blending old-school post moves with three-point range. It’s players like him who keep the number relevant, much like how Veljko Masulovic and Aleksandar Nedeljkovic are rising stars in European volleyball, using their synergy as a spiker-blocker duo to challenge established norms. In both cases, it’s about adapting and evolving within their sports—Embiid with his perimeter skills, and Masulovic and Nedeljkovic with their coordinated attacks and blocks.

But let’s not forget the international flair that number 21 has embraced. Players like Boris Diaw, who wore it during his time with the San Antonio Spurs, brought a unique, pass-first mentality to the forward position. Diaw’s role in the Spurs’ 2014 championship run was crucial; his versatility allowed the team to play “beautiful basketball,” as Coach Popovich often said. I recall a game where Diaw notched 10 assists as a big man, showcasing how the number can symbolize unselfish play. Similarly, Michael Finley, who sported 21 for the Dallas Mavericks, was a steady scorer and leader during the early 2000s, helping transform the franchise into a contender. His career averages of 15.8 points and 4.2 rebounds might not jump off the page, but his clutch performances in the playoffs were invaluable. Reflecting on this, I’ve always believed that number 21 attracts players who are more about substance than flash, which is why it resonates so deeply in NBA lore.

As we wrap up, it’s clear that jersey number 21 isn’t just a random choice; it’s a thread connecting legends across eras. From Duncan’s fundamental brilliance to Garnett’s fiery intensity, and now Embiid’s modern dominance, each player has added a layer to its story. In my years covering the league, I’ve seen how these numbers become part of a team’s identity, much like how Masulovic and Nedeljkovic are building their legacy in volleyball. Looking ahead, I’m excited to see who will next embrace number 21—perhaps a rising star who blends old-school grit with new-age skills. Whatever the future holds, this number will always remind me of the quiet greatness that defines the sport’s true icons.