Helena Frye
The number 33 has been made iconic in basketball by players such as Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Scottie Pippen. The number has been worn by many legendary players, especially in the 80s and 90s. The number 33 is also associated with Danny Granger, who developed a training drill called Danny Granger's 33s Test, which involves performing a certain number of reps within a certain time frame, with additional reps added as a penalty for missed reps or slow completion times.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Jersey Number | 33 |
| Wearers | Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Scottie Pippen, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Dr. J, Shaq, Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon |
| Danny Granger's Test | Perform 4 to 6 reps in 22-25 seconds, then 7 to 9 reps in 26-29 seconds, and finally 12 reps in under 33 seconds |
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What You'll Learn
Iconic jersey number in the NBA
Jersey numbers are a big deal in the NBA. Athletes are identified with the numbers they wear, and fans and fellow players often associate them with their jersey numbers. Some players have even refused to sign with a team because of a particular jersey number.
One of the most iconic jersey numbers in the NBA is number 23. Arguably worn by two of the greatest players in NBA history, Michael Jordan and LeBron James, the number has inspired athletes across generations. Jordan won six titles in eight years, including two three-peats, winning six FMVPs in all six championship-winning seasons and five NBA MVP awards. LeBron James, who idolised Jordan, is arguably the second-greatest player behind Jordan. The Miami Heat retired the number 23 as a sign of respect for Jordan and his contributions to basketball, even though he never played for the franchise.
Another iconic jersey number is number 32, worn by Earvin "Magic" Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers, who won three MVPs and revolutionized the game. Other iconic players who wore the number 32 jersey include Billy Cunningham, Julius Erving, Blake Griffin, Charles Barkley, Jason Kidd, and Jerry Lucas.
Number 33 is also considered one of the most iconic jersey numbers in the NBA. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Larry Bird, Ewing, Mourning, Pippen, and Thompson have all seen their number retired by their respective franchises.
Number 34, currently worn by the league's most recent back-to-back MVP, is also considered an iconic jersey number. Four different players won MVP while wearing this number, the most of any number. Giannis Antetokounmpo's number 34 jersey is one of the highest-selling ones today.
Finally, number 6 is also considered an iconic jersey number in the NBA. Worn by Bill Russell, his number was retired league-wide. Julius Erving, who wore number 6 when he joined the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers, is another iconic player.
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Worn by legendary players
The number 33 has held a special place in basketball history, with several legendary players donning this number on their jerseys and leaving an indelible mark on the sport. These players have not only achieved greatness on the court but have also become icons, with their jersey number becoming synonymous with their illustrious careers.
One of the most iconic wearers of the number 33 is undoubtedly Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. A true legend of the game, Abdul-Jabbar dominated the courts in the 1970s and 1980s, becoming the NBA's all-time leading scorer with his signature skyhook shot. His career spanned an incredible 20 seasons, during which he won six NBA championships, six MVP awards, and was a 19-time NBA All-Star. Abdul-Jabbar's impact extended beyond the court, as he also became a prominent cultural figure, using his platform to advocate for social change. His number 33 jersey was retired by the Los Angeles Lakers, immortalizing his legacy with the franchise.
Another player who wore number 33 and left an indelible mark on the game is Patrick Ewing. The dominant center led the New York Knicks to a decade of success in the 1980s and 1990s, reaching the NBA Finals in 1994. Ewing's defensive prowess and leadership on the court made him a fan favorite, and he was named to the NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team. Like Abdul-Jabbar, Ewing's number 33 jersey was retired by the Knicks, forever enshrining his contribution to the team.
Number 33 also graced the jersey of Scottie Pippen, who formed one-half of the legendary duo alongside Michael Jordan that led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships in the 1990s. Pippen's all-around game and defensive expertise made him a key component of the Bulls' dynasty. His versatility and ability to guard multiple positions earned him recognition as one of the greatest small forwards of all time. Pippen's number 33 was retired by the Bulls in honor of his remarkable career with the team.
The legacy of number 33 in basketball continues with Larry Bird, the iconic forward of the Boston Celtics. Bird's competitive spirit and all-around game made him a force to be reckoned with on the court. He led the Celtics to three NBA championships and was a 12-time NBA All-Star. Bird's rivalry with Magic Johnson defined an era of basketball, and his number 33 jersey retirement by the Celtics underscores his impact on the franchise and the sport as a whole.
These players have not only achieved on-court success but have also become cultural icons, with their jersey number 33 serving as a symbol of their greatness. Their impact extends beyond the game, as they have inspired generations of players and fans, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of basketball.
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Larry Bird's jersey number
Larry Bird, nicknamed "the Hick from French Lick" and "Larry Legend", is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He played for the Boston Celtics, who selected him with the sixth overall pick in the 1978 NBA draft. Bird is the only person in NBA history to be named Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year.
Bird wore the number 33 jersey, which was retired by the Celtics following his departure in 1992. The number 33 jersey has been worn by many legendary players, including Larry Bird, Kareem, LeBron, Magic, and Shaq. The number 33 jersey has become so iconic in the NBA that it is often sought after by fans. The Boston Celtics store offers a diverse range of Larry Bird jerseys, including the 1985/86 Hardwood Classics Authentic Jersey and the 1985/86 Hardwood Classics Doodle Swingman Jersey.
The number 33 jersey's popularity in the NBA may be attributed to several factors. One reason could be that certain numbers were reused by great players due to the limited number range available in the past. Traditionally, basketball numbers were base 5 (00, 0, 1-5, 10-15, 20-25, up to 55) to allow referees to signal fouls with one hand. This limited the available numbers, causing certain numbers to be reused by great players and contributing to the iconic status of the number 33 jersey.
Another factor contributing to the popularity of the number 33 jersey could be the influence of previous players. Some athletes might choose their jersey numbers based on the players they admire or look up to. For example, LeBron James wore the number 6 jersey because his second-favorite player, Julius Erving, also known as Dr. J, wore that number. This phenomenon is not limited to the number 33 jersey and can be observed with other iconic jersey numbers in the NBA, such as 23, 32, 34, and 6.
In conclusion, Larry Bird's jersey number, 33, holds a significant place in the history of the Boston Celtics and the NBA. The number has become iconic due to the legendary players who have worn it, including Bird himself. The Boston Celtics store continues to offer Larry Bird jerseys, allowing fans to relive iconic moments and express their support for the team.
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Worn by players in the 80s and 90s
The 1980s were a golden age for basketball sneakers, with brands like Nike, Adidas, Converse, and Puma releasing shoes that would go on to become classics. Converse Fastbreak, designed in collaboration with Isiah Thomas, was a standout shoe of the era. It featured a lightweight nylon/leather upper that offered the same support as a full leather shoe but weighed significantly less. Another iconic shoe of the 80s was the Adidas Pro Shell, which took 15 years to be released in mid after the initial launch of the Superstar and Pro Model in 1969.
The 80s also saw the emergence of Vision Street Wear, a fashion company in skateboarding and BMX that entered the footwear market with a spin on the classic Chuck Taylor design. They offered suede shoes with a protective shell toe and an ollie pad in a variety of colors. Converse, meanwhile, was producing high-tech leather basketball footwear, with shoes like the Converse Weapon gaining popularity as Dr. J's career was coming to a close.
The 1990s continued the legacy of iconic basketball sneakers, with the Air Jordan line dominating the scene. The patent leather design, which Michael Jordan wore when he won yet another championship, became a cultural phenomenon. Nelly even wrote a song about them, and they were a staple in everyone's closet on MTV's CRIBS. The Air Jordan was the first signature basketball shoe, and its impact on basketball shoe culture cannot be overstated.
Other notable shoes of the 90s include the Nike Shox, which were widely worn by basketball players and featured Nike's Shox technology, and the Adidas Kobe, which was a great performance shoe and a significant release for Adidas in the basketball arena.
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Jersey number 33's legacy
Jersey number 33 has a rich legacy in basketball, with several iconic players choosing this number. The number has become synonymous with greatness, thanks to the achievements of some of the game's all-time greats.
One of the most notable players to wear number 33 is Larry Bird. Bird, a 12-time NBA All-Star, won three consecutive NBA MVP awards and was a two-time NBA Finals MVP. His achievements on the court, along with his rivalry with Magic Johnson, elevated the NBA into a global sport. Bird's impact on the game was so significant that then-commissioner David Stern said, "Larry Bird has helped define the way a generation of basketball fans has come to view and appreciate the NBA."
Another legend associated with the number 33 is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Abdul-Jabbar had a remarkable 20-year career, winning six NBA championships and being named an All-Star 19 times. He was also named MVP a record six times and held eight playoff records and seven All-Star records upon his retirement.
Scottie Pippen, another NBA great, also wore the number 33. While playing for the Chicago Bulls, Pippen won six NBA championships and was named to the All-NBA First Team seven times.
Other notable players who have worn the number 33 include LeBron James, who has won four MVP awards, and the late Kobe Bryant, who had a significant impact both on and off the court.
The number 33 holds a special significance in basketball, and its legacy is closely tied to the achievements of these legendary players. Their impact on the sport has ensured that the number 33 will always be remembered as one of the most iconic jersey numbers in basketball history.
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Frequently asked questions
The number 33 has been worn by some of the greatest basketball players of all time, including Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Scottie Pippen.
The number 33 has become iconic in basketball due to the players who wore it. It is believed that newer players choose the number 33 because of the legends that wore it before them.
Danny Granger's 33s Test is a training drill designed to improve an athlete's performance and conditioning. It involves completing a set of reps within a specific time frame, with penalties for missed or slow reps. The test aims to build confidence and improve performance during crucial moments of a game.
