Boston Celtics players Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will not only represent Team USA as they vie for spots on the squad that will compete in China for the FIBA World Cup. They will also pay homage to two Celtics legends through their jersey numbers.

Jayson Tatum has chosen to wear No. 34, the same number that has been worn by Paul Pierce throughout his career with the Celtics. Meanwhile, Jaylen Brown will be wearing No. 33, which, as you all know, once belonged to Larry Bird.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are still going to wear No. 0 and 7 respectively next season.

Both youngsters are believed to be a part of the Celtics' long-term future. Now that Boston has lost on their top free agent targets, they are expected to build on the roster that they have. Tatum and Brown were instrumental in the team's Eastern Conference Finals run two years ago, and the franchise is hoping that they can help the Celtics reach beyond that in the future.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
[NBA awards] Nikola Jokic next to Luka Doncic, Victor Wembanyama, Jalen Brunson, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Brett Siegel ·

Blake Griffin with Celtics players telling him to come back before retirement.

Daniel Donabedian ·

A newspaper as the background, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown with the Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, and Atlanta Hawks logos in the background

Owen Crisafulli ·

Tatum has already shown that he can take a lead role for the Celtics, and he has already said that he wants to be the next Paul Pierce. Meanwhile, Brown has already shown that he can be a great 3-and-D guy, all he needs to do is to become more consistent.

But before both guys go to war next season, they have an obligation to fulfill, to represent the US and help the team dominate in the World Championships. And they will do so, with their Celtic pride.