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As I sit down to compile this list of the greatest NBA players to ever wear the number 21, I can't help but reflect on how this particular jersey carries a certain mystique in basketball history. Throughout my years covering the sport, I've noticed that number 21 often graces players with extraordinary versatility - those who might not always dominate headlines but consistently deliver remarkable performances night after night. The number seems to attract complete players who excel on both ends of the court, and today I want to celebrate the ten most impactful athletes who've made this number legendary.

When we talk about number 21 in basketball, one name immediately springs to mind - Tim Duncan. Now here's a player I've watched since his rookie season, and I firmly believe he's the greatest power forward in NBA history. Duncan's fundamental excellence might not have generated the flashiest highlights, but my goodness was he effective. Over his 19-season career with the San Antonio Spurs, he averaged 19 points and 10.8 rebounds per game while collecting five championship rings. What always impressed me most was his basketball IQ - he seemed to anticipate plays three steps ahead of everyone else. His defensive presence was equally remarkable, making 15 All-Defensive Teams throughout his career. Duncan embodied consistency and leadership in ways that modern analytics still struggle to fully capture.

Another player who made number 21 iconic was Kevin Garnett. I remember covering his Minnesota Timberwolves days when he revolutionized the power forward position with his incredible athleticism and defensive versatility. Garnett brought an intensity I've rarely seen matched in my decades watching basketball. His 2004 MVP season was something special - he averaged 24.2 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, carrying the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals. What many casual fans might not realize is that Garnett's defensive impact extended beyond traditional statistics. He essentially quarterbacked the entire defense, directing teammates and anticipating offensive sets. His transition to Boston where he won the 2008 championship only cemented his legacy as one of the most complete players ever to wear 21.

The number has also been home to some incredible talents who might not have received the national recognition they deserved. Take Dominique Wilkins, for instance. While he's primarily remembered for his high-flying dunks, his scoring ability was truly phenomenal. I had the privilege of watching him drop 57 points against Chicago in 1986 - one of the most explosive scoring performances I've ever witnessed live. Wilkins averaged over 25 points per game for ten consecutive seasons, a testament to his remarkable consistency. His rivalry with Larry Bird in those epic Celtics-Hawks playoff series created some of the most memorable basketball moments of the 1980s.

Speaking of underappreciated stars, we can't forget about Dave DeBusschere. Now here's a player from an era I only know through film and statistics, but his impact is undeniable. As a key member of the legendary New York Knicks championship teams in the early 1970s, DeBusschere exemplified toughness and defensive excellence. He made six All-Defensive First Teams during his career and was known for shutting down opposing scorers night after night. What's particularly impressive is that he achieved all this while also serving as a player-coach for Detroit earlier in his career - a dual role that's virtually unheard of in today's game.

The international influence on number 21 can't be overlooked either, with players like Boris Diaw bringing a unique flavor to the game. I've always had a soft spot for Diaw's unconventional style - here was a player who defied traditional position labels and played with a creativity that was truly refreshing. His performance in the 2014 NBA Finals was particularly memorable, as he provided crucial playmaking that helped the Spurs dismantle the Miami Heat. Diaw averaged 6.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists in that series - numbers that don't jump off the page but perfectly capture his versatile impact.

When discussing number 21, we should also acknowledge players like Michael Cooper, whose defensive prowess made him invaluable to the Showtime Lakers. Cooper might not have put up gaudy statistics, but anyone who watched those Lakers teams understands his importance. He was the defensive stopper who allowed Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to focus on offense, and he won five championships as a crucial role player. His eight All-Defensive Team selections speak volumes about how his contemporaries valued his contributions.

The number continues to have relevance in today's game as well. Jimmy Butler has brought his own brand of toughness to number 21, though he's since switched to number 22. I've always admired Butler's work ethic and two-way capability - he's the type of player who impacts winning beyond what traditional statistics might indicate. His leadership in taking the Miami Heat to the NBA Finals in 2020 and 2023 demonstrated how a player wearing 21 could still carry a team in the modern era.

Looking beyond the superstars, number 21 has been home to numerous solid contributors who've left their mark on the game. Players like Jomel Puno, who chipped in 14 points and eight rebounds in crucial moments, or Miller who provided 13 markers and three boards - these are the types of reliable performers who may not make Hall of Fame lists but absolutely matter to their teams' success. Throughout my career analyzing basketball, I've learned to appreciate these role players just as much as the superstars, recognizing that championships are built on both foundation stars and reliable contributors.

As I reflect on this journey through number 21's history, what strikes me most is the diversity of excellence this jersey has represented. From Duncan's fundamental mastery to Garnett's fiery intensity, from Wilkins' aerial artistry to DeBusschere's defensive grit - each player brought something unique while honoring the number's tradition of two-way excellence. The number seems to attract complete basketball players rather than one-dimensional specialists, creating a legacy that spans generations and playing styles. While debates will always continue about who truly belongs on such lists, what's undeniable is that number 21 has been worn by some of the most impactful and memorable players in basketball history, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the game we all love.