Michael Jordan (Bulls, Heat), LeBron James (Cavs, future)
The most iconic number in basketball. Jordan made it legendary. LeBron carried it forward. Every kid who picks 23 is paying tribute.
Shaquille O'Neal (Lakers, Heat), Hakeem Olajuwon (Rockets), Charles Barkley (Suns)
The big man's number. Three of the greatest centers/power forwards ever wore it. Three very different players, one dominant number.
Larry Bird (Celtics), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Lakers), Scottie Pippen (Bulls)
Bird's 33 in Boston is sacred. Kareem's in LA. Pippen's in Chicago. The number of basketball royalty.
Magic Johnson (Lakers), Bill Walton (Blazers), Karl Malone (Jazz)
Magic made 32 the point guard's number. The Mailman delivered in it for 19 years in Utah. Walton won a championship in it.