NBA: Predicting the next jersey number to be retired by all 30 teams

DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Former Dallas Mavericks player Dirk Nowitzki looks on with his wife, Jessica Olsson, as the Dallas Mavericks raise a banner while retiring his No. 41 jersey at American Airlines Center on January 05, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

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Boston Celtics Jayson Tatum (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics – Jayson Tatum, #0

At age 25, Jayson Tatum is already a 4-time NBA All-Star who has seen his team reach four conference finals and one NBA Finals. He hasn’t won a ring but has often been on the doorstep during his young career.

Tatum’s scoring average has increased in each of his six seasons. Last season, he became the first player in Celtics history to average over 30 points per game in a season (30.1). He is already fourth in Celtics history in career points per game and second in three-point field goals made.

Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo were also in consideration here. However, the Celtics have issued numbers 9 and 20 to other players since both All-Stars left town. That’s telling.

Other Players in Consideration: Danny Ainge, Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo

Brooklyn Nets – Brook Lopez’s #11

It seems as if Brook Lopez played for the Nets ages ago. He averaged 18.6 points and 7.1 rebounds in 562 games with the franchise – first in New Jersey and then in Brooklyn.

Lopez remains the franchise’s all-time leader in total points, field goals, and blocks. He also ranks in the top-5 in Nets history in many other categories. Lopez made his lone All-Star game appearance in 2013 as a member of the Nets.

I wanted to put Vince Carter here, but Lopez spent four more very productive seasons in a Nets uniform.

Other Players in Consideration: Vince Carter, Derrick Coleman, Richard Jefferson