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)
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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Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)

Golden State Warriors – Stephen Curry, #30

Honestly, the next Warrior to get his number retired will depend on who will retire first between Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. Curry is the oldest of the three. He’s also a two-time MVP, two-time scoring champ, 2022 Finals MVP, and the greatest shooter of all time. That’ll do it.

What I want to know is, what did the late-Paul Arizin do to NOT get his number 11 jersey retired by the Warriors? He was a 10-time All-Star, 2-time scoring champ, 1956 NBA champ, and is one of the 75th greatest NBA players ever.

When the Warriors retire number 11 for Klay Thompson, they should honor Arizin too.

Other Players in Consideration: Paul Arizin, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson

Houston Rockets – James Harden, #13

Tracy McGrady is the only other player who currently has a shot of having his number retired by the Rockets. James Harden’s time as a Rocket blows McGrady’s out of the water.

Harden spent parts of nine seasons in Houston. He was selected to eight All-Star games, won three scoring titles, and led the NBA in assists once as a Rocket. Harden is the franchise’s career leader in assists and is second in career points.

“The Beard” is a shoo-in to have his number raised to the rafters of the Toyota Center.

Other Players in Consideration: Tracy McGrady, Otis Thorpe