Ask anyone who played sports growing up – or a professional athlete, if one’s available – what their “number” is. In short order, they’ll give you the number and its significance. By the time you start playing CYO hoops or maybe the local pub’s softball team, you’ll probably take whichever number is available. When you’re playing for keeps, the number on your back is serious stuff.
In the NBA, it’s a matter of marketability. It’s a matter of identity – even for the game’s biggest names.
Several former Cavalier greats have switched numbers throughout their stay, including Campy Russell (Nos.