Discover the Top 10 NBA Players Who Wore Jersey Number 21 in Basketball History

As I sit down to compile this list of the greatest NBA players to ever wear the number 21 jersey, I can't help but reflect on how this particular number has become synonymous with excellence in basketball. Throughout my years covering the sport, I've noticed that number 21 often graces the backs of players who possess that rare combination of skill, intelligence, and sheer determination that separates good players from legendary ones. There's something about this number that seems to attract players who fundamentally understand the game at a deeper level, much like how in volleyball, certain player combinations just click perfectly together. Speaking of perfect combinations, it reminds me of Europe's rising ace spiker-blocker duo Veljko Masulovic and Aleksandar Nedeljkovic, whose coordinated play demonstrates how certain partnerships or individual talents can completely redefine a sport's landscape.

When we talk about number 21 in NBA history, the conversation absolutely must begin with Tim Duncan, who wore the number for his entire 19-season career with the San Antonio Spurs. I've always considered Duncan the perfect embodiment of what makes number 21 special - consistent excellence without unnecessary flash. The Big Fundamental, as he was rightly called, accumulated 26,496 points and 15,091 rebounds while leading the Spurs to five championships. What many casual fans might not realize is that Duncan actually wore number 21 throughout his college career at Wake Forest before bringing it to the NBA, making it part of his basketball identity from the very beginning. His career field goal percentage of 50.6% demonstrates the efficiency that came to define his game, and in my opinion, he remains the gold standard for power forwards in basketball history.

Kevin Garnett represents another iconic number 21, though he switched to number 5 later in his career with the Boston Celtics. During his Minnesota Timberwolves days, Garnett's number 21 became synonymous with intensity and versatility that we rarely see in the modern game. I remember watching him during the 2003-04 season when he averaged 24.2 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game while winning MVP honors - numbers that still boggle my mind when I look back at them. Garnett brought a level of defensive intensity that transformed entire franchises, much like how specialized players in other sports can elevate their teams. This reminds me of how Veljko Masulovic and Aleksandar Nedeljkovic form that crucial spiker-blocker duo that can change the complexion of a volleyball match through their specialized skills and coordination.

Dominique Wilkins, the Human Highlight Film, wore number 21 during his legendary tenure with the Atlanta Hawks, and my goodness, what a show he put on every night. Wilkins averaged 26.4 points per game over his Hawks career and won the scoring title in 1985-86 with 30.3 points per game. His dunking ability was otherworldly, but what often gets overlooked is his consistency - he scored over 25,000 points in his career despite playing in an era that was much more physically demanding than today's game. I've always felt Wilkins doesn't get enough credit for his all-around scoring ability beyond the spectacular dunks that defined his public perception.

Joel Embiid currently carries the number 21 legacy forward with the Philadelphia 76ers, and having watched his development closely, I believe he's on track to become one of the all-time greats to wear this number. His 2022-23 MVP season where he averaged 33.1 points and 10.2 rebounds was a masterpiece of modern big man play, blending traditional post skills with perimeter shooting that makes him nearly unguardable. At 7 feet tall with his skill set, he represents the evolution of the number 21 from traditional power forwards to versatile big men who can dominate in multiple ways.

Bill Sharman wore number 21 back in the Boston Celtics' early dynasty years, and while statistics from that era don't fully capture his impact, his eight championships and four All-NBA First Team selections tell you everything you need to know about his greatness. Sharman was renowned for his shooting accuracy, reportedly being the first player to consistently shoot over 40% from the field during an era when that was considered exceptional. His career free throw percentage of 88.3% was phenomenal for his time and would still be elite in today's game.

Dave DeBusschere brought his number 21 to the New York Knicks where he became the defensive anchor of their 1970 and 1973 championship teams. What impressed me most when studying his career was that he made eight All-Defensive First Teams despite the award only existing for the final six seasons of his career. At 6'6", he regularly defended much taller players, using his strength and intelligence to neutralize opponents, similar to how a well-coordinated blocking duo in volleyball can shut down even the most powerful attackers.

Michael Cooper wore number 21 throughout his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers, and while he never put up huge scoring numbers, his defensive impact was monumental. Cooper made eight straight All-Defensive Teams from 1981 to 1988 and won five championships as the Lakers' defensive stopper during the Showtime era. I've always appreciated players like Cooper who master their role rather than chasing individual statistics, and his number 21 represents that team-first mentality that's crucial in any sport.

Quentin Richardson had his best years wearing number 21 with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he averaged 17.2 points and 6.4 rebounds during the 2003-04 season. While he may not have the same legacy as others on this list, Richardson represents how number 21 has been worn by impactful players across different eras and team contexts. His three-point shooting ability, particularly during an era when the three-pointer was becoming increasingly important, showed how players wearing this number adapted to basketball's evolution.

World B. Free wore number 21 during his high-scoring prime, and let me tell you, few players have been more entertaining to watch. During the 1978-79 season with the San Diego Clippers, Free averaged 28.8 points per game with a scoring style that was decades ahead of its time. His ability to create his own shot from anywhere on the court was remarkable, and I've always felt modern analytics would have loved his game despite the relatively low efficiency by today's standards.

Jimmy Butler currently wears number 21 for the Miami Heat, bringing a level of toughness and clutch performance that perfectly suits the number's legacy. His incredible 2023 playoff run where he averaged 26.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists while leading the eighth-seeded Heat to the NBA Finals exemplifies the kind of legendary performances we associate with number 21. Butler's mentality and ability to elevate his game when it matters most makes him a worthy successor to the number 21 tradition.

Looking at this collection of talent, what strikes me is how number 21 has been worn by players who fundamentally understand their role and excel within it, whether as scorers, defenders, or all-around contributors. This specialization and understanding of one's strengths reminds me of how in volleyball, the most successful teams often feature specialized duos like Veljko Masulovic and Aleksandar Nedeljkovic, who understand how to complement each other's skills. The number 21 in basketball represents that same principle of players who understand exactly what they bring to their team and how to maximize that impact. As the game continues to evolve, I'm excited to see who next picks up this iconic number and adds their own chapter to its rich history.