Helena Frye
The number 4 has been worn by several notable basketball players, including Shawn Kemp, Isaiah Thomas, Charles Barkley, LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Chris Paul. In the context of basketball positions, the number 4 is typically associated with the power forward (PF) position. Traditionally, jersey numbers 4-15 were used in FIBA-organized competitions, such as the Olympic Games, due to the limitations of the digits in the human hand, which made it easier for officials to communicate with hand signals. While FIBA dropped this rule in 2014, the US National Team continues to use numbers 4-15 for its men's and women's teams to maintain tradition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players in a basketball team | 5 |
| Number assigned to the power forward position | 4 |
| Jersey number retired by the New York Yankees | 4 |
| NBA players who wore the number 4 jersey | Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Steve Kerr, Rick Barry, Russell Westbrook |
| FIBA-organised competitions players' jersey number | 4-15 |
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What You'll Learn
Jersey number 4 in the NBA
The number 4 jersey in the NBA has been worn by several notable players throughout the league's history. While it may not be as popular as some other jersey numbers, a few all-time greats have donned the number 4 jersey during their careers.
Dolph Schayes, a Hall of Famer and 12-time NBA All-Star, wore the number 4 jersey for almost his entire career. The Syracuse Nationals, Schayes' first NBA team, retired his number 4 jersey in 2016, shortly after his passing. Schayes is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished players to have worn the number 4 jersey in the NBA.
Other notable NBA players who have worn the number 4 jersey include Chris Bosh, Adrian Dantley, Chris Webber, Joe Dumars, Shawn Kemp, Isaiah Thomas, Charles Barkley, and Alex Caruso. These players have all left their mark on the league, with some even being inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Currently, several active NBA players are proudly wearing the number 4 jersey. These include stars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, Chris Paul of the Phoenix Suns, and James Harden, who most recently played for the Philadelphia 76ers. These players are not only standouts in the league today but are also considered future Hall of Famers.
The number 4 jersey also holds a special place in international basketball. Due to historical FIBA rules, the US men's and women's national teams continue to use jersey numbers 4-15 to maintain tradition and honour the past. This tradition sets them apart from other teams, who typically allow jersey numbers ranging from 00 to 99.
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Players who wore number 4
The number 4 is a popular jersey number in basketball, with many legendary players having worn it. Here is a list of some of the notable players who have graced the number:
All-Time Greats:
- Wilt Chamberlain
- Hakeem Olajuwon
- Dave Schayes
- John Havlicek
- Elvin Hayes
- Jerry Stockton
Active Greats:
- Kevin Durant
- Joel Embiid
- James Harden
- Stephen Curry
- LeBron James
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Chris Paul
Other notable players who have worn the number 4 jersey include Joe Dumars, who played for the Detroit Pistons from 1986 to 1999 and registered 16,401 points, and Jim Paxson, who played for the Portland Trail Blazers and Boston Celtics for a total of 11 seasons.
Some other players who have worn the number 4 jersey in the NBA include Shawn Kemp, Isaiah Thomas, Charles Barkley, Andre Iguodala, Alex Caruso, and Moses Malone.
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US national team's jersey numbers
The US National Basketball Team's jersey numbers are distinct from their NBA numbers. The US National Team has maintained the tradition of players wearing jersey numbers from 4 to 15, while other teams use 00-99. This tradition is rooted in the old international basketball rules, which restricted players to numbers 4-15 to facilitate communication between game officials through hand signals. Although FIBA dropped this rule in 2014, the US Men's and Women's Basketball Teams continue to use numbers 4-15 to uphold this tradition.
Jersey number 4 has been worn by several notable NBA and ABA players, including E. Hayes, J. Stockton, H. Olajuwon, W. Chamberlain, D. Schayes, and J. Havlicek. Some of the current NBA stars wearing the number 4 jersey include L. James, G. Antetokounmpo, C. Paul, J. Harden, S. Curry, and K. Durant.
The number 4 jersey has been associated with some of the greatest players in basketball history, across different eras of the game. Wilt Chamberlain, for instance, wore number 4 during his illustrious career, establishing himself as one of the most dominant centers of all time. Chamberlain's skill set and physical attributes revolutionized the game, and his impact extended beyond the court, as he played a pivotal role in the integration of the NBA.
Another iconic player to don the number 4 jersey was Hakeem Olajuwon, widely regarded as one of the greatest centers to ever play the game. Olajuwon's footwork, shot-blocking ability, and unparalleled skill in the low post made him a force to be reckoned with. His signature move, the "Dream Shake," remains one of the most effective and revered post moves in basketball history.
In more recent times, the number 4 jersey has been worn by superstars like LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo. LeBron, often referred to as "King James," has had a legendary career, capturing four NBA championships, four MVP awards, and four Finals MVP awards. His impact extends beyond the basketball court, as he has also been a vocal leader in social justice initiatives and educational reform. Giannis Antetokounmpo, affectionately known as the "Greek Freak," has taken the league by storm with his rare combination of size, speed, and skill. Antetokounmpo has already amassed two NBA championships, two MVP awards, and a Finals MVP, and at just 27 years old, his career is far from over.
The number 4 jersey in US national basketball teams carries a rich history and has been worn by some of the game's all-time greats. It continues to be a coveted number, with current stars like LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo upholding its legacy.
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Significance of jersey numbers
Jersey numbers are an iconic element of basketball, holding significant meaning for players and fans alike. The use of numbers on jerseys dates back to the early 1920s, but it wasn't until the 1930s that numbering players' jerseys became standard practice. The original purpose of jersey numbers was to identify players on the court, but over time, these numbers have taken on a deeper significance.
Jersey numbers can represent a player's identity, position, and legacy. For players, choosing a jersey number can be a personal decision, with some opting for numbers that hold special meaning or signify milestones in their lives. For instance, Michael Jordan wore the number 23 throughout his career as a tribute to his older brother. Other players may feel a sense of responsibility or pressure associated with a particular number, especially if they are following in the footsteps of a legendary player who previously wore that number.
Jersey numbers also play a crucial role in fan culture. Fans often identify their favourite players by their jersey numbers and proudly wear jerseys bearing those numbers. When a player achieves legendary status, their number may be retired by their team, adding to the mystique and honour associated with that digit. For example, Michael Jordan's number 23 will forever be synonymous with both Jordan himself and the Chicago Bulls.
In certain competitions, such as FIBA-organized events up until 2014, players were restricted to jersey numbers between 4 and 15. This was due to the limitations of hand signals used by referees to communicate with table officials. However, with the implementation of video replay systems, this restriction was lifted, allowing for a wider range of jersey numbers.
Today, jersey numbers in basketball can range from 0 to 99, with players given more freedom to express themselves through their choice of number. Whether it's a personal preference, a tribute, or a way to connect with fans, jersey numbers continue to be an essential part of the basketball culture and tradition.
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Number 4 in basketball history
The number 4 has been worn by several notable basketball players throughout history. Sidney Moncrief, a Hall of Famer and arguably the most underrated shooting guard in NBA history, wore the number 4 jersey for all but his comeback season with the Atlanta Hawks. Chris Webber, who some believe should be in the Hall of Fame, is another player often associated with the number.
Other NBA and ABA players who have worn the number 4 jersey include Shawn Kemp, Isaiah Thomas, Charles Barkley, Andre Iguodala, Alex Caruso, Moses Malone, Jrue Holiday, and Scott Skiles.
Some players have only worn the number 4 jersey for a short period or a single season. For example, Hall of Famer Andy Phillip wore number 4 for half a season with the Fort Wayne Pistons before switching to number 14. Similarly, Rick Barry, another Hall of Famer, wore number 4 for the only two seasons he was not an All-Star.
Some sources consider Victor Oladipo, a two-time All-Star, to be the best active player wearing the number 4 jersey. However, this was stated in 2019, and his future performance after recovering from a ruptured quad tendon injury may impact this assessment.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, 4 is a basketball number. In basketball, each player is assigned a number based on their position. The number 4 is typically worn by power forwards.
In the early days of basketball, guards were responsible for guarding the opposing team's forwards. The guards were further divided into point guards and running guards, who brought the ball up the court. Over time, more specialized roles developed, and the number 4 became associated with the power forward position.
The number 4 is considered unlucky in China because it sounds similar to the word for "death." As a result, some Chinese buildings skip the fourth floor.
Yes, several notable basketball players have worn the number 4 jersey, including Gary Ablett Jr., Jobe Watson, Shawn Kemp, Isaiah Thomas, and Charles Barkley.
