THE PLAYERS

Gilbert Arenas 0, Wizards Marcus Banks 3, Timberwolves Mike Bibby 10, Kings Andrew Bogut 6, Bucks Kobe Bryant 8, Lakers Jarron Collins 31, Jazz Tony Delk 00, Pistons Melvin Ely 2, Bobcats Pau Gasol 16, Grizzlies Manu Ginobli 20, Spurs Drew Gooden 90, Cavaliers Grant Hill 33, Magic Royal Ivey 36, Hawks Linton Johnson 43, Hornets Dikembe Mutombo 55, Rockets Eric Piatkowski 52, Bulls Paul Pierce 34, Celtics Shavlik Randolph 42, Sixers Earl Watson 25, Sonics

The great NBA players have come to be identified by their jersey number. For instance, we all see No. 33 when we reminisce about Larry Bird or the No. 32 when we think about Magic Johnson.

We also all may recall how Michael Jordan made No. 23 a mystical number. Then, after his first retirement, he returned at the end of the 1994-95 season wearing No. 45, but met failure in the playoffs. He reverted to No. 23 the next season and three more championships followed. He will always be No. 23.

The players featured in Behind The Numbers one day may be so closely associated with the number they wear but we take a look at why they wear that number. Many reveal that the number they wear goes back to their first team. Others honor a relative or basketball idol with the number they wear. And some have their own esoteric reasons.

Read more by clicking on players' name.