2025-11-17 11:00
by
nlpkak
When people ask me about the most iconic jersey numbers in NBA history, my mind immediately goes to the usual suspects - 23, 33, 32. But today I want to talk about a number that's flown under the radar while being worn by some truly exceptional players: number 22. Having followed basketball for over two decades, I've developed a particular appreciation for these players who often brought a quiet consistency to the game rather than flashy highlights. There's something about that double-two combination that seems to attract fundamentally sound, versatile players who make their teams better in ways that don't always show up on SportsCenter.
Let me start with Clyde Drexler, who honestly might be my personal favorite among the number 22 wearers. The Glide was just spectacular to watch during his prime with the Portland Trail Blazers. People remember his high-flying dunks, but what impressed me most was his incredible efficiency - he retired with over 22,000 points while shooting over 47% from the field as a guard. That's remarkable when you consider the era he played in. His 1995 championship with the Rockets validated what many of us had known for years - he was a transcendent talent who could carry a team when needed. I'll always argue that Drexler doesn't get nearly enough credit for how complete his game was. He wasn't just scoring - he averaged over 6 rebounds and 5 assists for his career, showing his all-around impact on games.
Then there's Elgin Baylor, the original superstar to wear 22. Studying old footage of Baylor feels like discovering basketball's hidden history. The man was putting up numbers that would be impressive even by today's standards - during the 1961-62 season, he averaged 38.3 points and 18.6 rebounds per game while serving in the military and only playing on weekends. Let that sink in for a moment. I've always been fascinated by players who were ahead of their time, and Baylor's athletic, high-flying style predated the modern game by decades. His career averages of 27.4 points and 13.5 rebounds remain among the most impressive stat lines in league history, though his unfortunate timing of playing against the Bill Russell Celtics meant he never got that championship ring his talent deserved.
The modern era has seen some fascinating players don the number 22, with Jimmy Butler being perhaps the most prominent current example. What I admire about Butler is his relentless work ethic and defensive intensity - qualities that remind me of the old-school number 22 wearers. His journey from the 30th pick to six-time All-Star is the kind of story that makes basketball so compelling. Butler's 2020 bubble performance, where he willed the Miami Heat to the Finals against the Lakers, was one of the most impressive individual efforts I've witnessed in recent years. His game isn't always pretty, but it's brutally effective when it matters most.
Thinking about these players and their sustained excellence makes me reflect on how difficult maintaining high performance really is in the NBA. It brings to mind the recent struggle of the Red Warriors, who just suffered their 13th consecutive defeat in a 95-76 beating by Far Eastern University. Watching teams go through these extended losing streaks reminds me how special consistent excellence really is. The players who wore 22 throughout NBA history understood how to bring their best night after night, something that seems to be missing from teams stuck in prolonged slumps. That 19-point margin in their latest loss shows how difficult it can be to compete when confidence is shattered and momentum is against you.
What strikes me about the number 22 club is how many of these players were leaders who made their teammates better. Larry Nance, both Sr. and Jr., exemplified this with their defensive presence and highlight-reel blocks. Michael Redd's smooth shooting stroke brought joy to Milwaukee fans for years, while Courtney Lee provided reliable two-way play for multiple franchises. These weren't just scorers or specialists - they were complete basketball players who understood the nuances of the game. In my view, that's the common thread connecting most number 22s throughout history - they were basketball players in the purest sense, not just athletes playing basketball.
As I look at today's game, I'm curious to see who might next embrace the number 22 legacy. The number seems to be making something of a comeback, with several young players choosing it in recent years. There's a certain expectation that comes with wearing a number that has been represented by Hall of Famers and All-Stars throughout NBA history. The great ones understand that they're not just wearing fabric - they're carrying on a tradition. And based on the players I've watched throughout my years following basketball, number 22 represents one of the most underappreciated traditions of excellence in the entire league. It may not have the marketing appeal of 23 or 24, but for those who know basketball history, it commands just as much respect.
