The No.3 has been one of the most popular jersey numbers over the years. More than 370 players have worn this jersey over the years. One of the earliest to wear No.3 was Dave Deutsch, who played only one season for the New York Knicks in 1966-67. Some of the young players that might eventually get on this list are Jaden McDaniels and Keyonte George, two promising youngsters. McDaniels was an All-Defensive member in 2023-24 and has a bright future ahead. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the best NBA players to wear jersey No.3.
Also Read: The Best NBA Players to Wear Jersey No.2
The Best NBA Players to Wear Jersey No.3
Here is an interesting fact. Some of the best guards in history have worn No.3, including Allen Iverson, Chris Paul, Dwayne Wade, and others. Let’s take a look.
John Starks
We start off with a New York Knicks legend, John Starks. During the 1990s, Starks was known as one of the best defenders in the league. He was among the best players on the gritty Knicks teams that battled with the Indiana Pacers and Chicago Bulls. If Michael Jordan was not in the league, those Knicks teams had the potential to win it all. Starks was a big part of their identity.
Stephon Marbury
Another Knicks (among other teams) player on the list, Stephon Marbury was a bona-fide scorer and star in the 2000s. He was one of the most explosive guards during his heyday. He made the All-Star team two times and the All-NBA third team two times. Marbury had a stretch of seven consecutive years averaging 20+ points.
Bradley Beal
Speaking of guards who can score, Bradley Beal deserves a spot on the list of the best NBA players to wear jersey No.3. Beal is a three-time All-Star, and made the All-NBA third team once. During his height, he led the league in field goal attempts and averaged 30+ points. Despite the high volume of shots, Beal is a career 46.4% shooter from the floor.
Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis wore No.23 for the first several years of his career. But when he got to the Los Angeles Lakers, that number was taken by LeBron James, and he had to switch. So, he chose No.3, and that is the number he wears now in Dallas as well. Davis won a championship with No.3 and made a couple of All-Star appearances. He is seen as among the top 15 players in the league and a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
Ben Wallace
Speaking of players known for their defensive abilities, Ben Wallace is a four-time Defensive Player of the Year winner. He is tied for most DPOY wins with Dikembe Mutombo and Rudy Gobert. Wallace was the engine behind the Detroit Pistons teams of the 2000s. They made six consecutive Eastern Conference Finals, and two NBA Finals appearances during that stretch. Wallace was key in the 2004 NBA Finals when they beat the Los Angeles Lakers for the title. During his best days, he was averaging 12-15 rebounds and more than three blocks per game.
Chris Paul
From the defensive end to the playmaking ability, Chris Paul is known as the Point God. He is second all-time in assists behind John Stockton. Arguably one of the top five best point guards of all time, CP3 is a 12-time All-Star. Next season will be his 21st in the league if he plays, and he is one of the few players who will have played more than 20 seasons in the league.
Allen Iverson
A lot of young players nowadays say they chose No.3 because of Allen Iverson. The Answer was a spectacular player during the 1990s and 2000s. Despite being one of the smallest guys on the floor, he constantly drove to the basket for layups and dunks. Philadelphia 76ers fans remember the glory days when he led them to the NBA Finals in 2001. To this day, AI continues to serve as an inspiration for players around the world.
Dwyane Wade
Speaking of players who chose No.3 because of AI, Dwyane Wade has openly admitted he was inspired by Iverson. Wade is a three-time NBA champion, and rightfully one of the best NBA players to wear jersey No.3. Besides three titles, Wade has an NBA Finals MVP, scoring title, and eight All-NBA teams on his resume.
Honorable Mentions:
- Many remember Craig Ehlo for Jordan’s ‘The Shot’, but he was a good player and defender in the 1980s.
- CJ McCollum has 10 consecutive years of scoring 20+ points. A former Most Improved Player winner, he lacks All-Star appearances to move higher.
- Dale Ellis won the Most Improved Player of the Year award in 1986-87. He was also an All-Star once.
- Steve Francis was a three-time All-Star, and one of the best guard dunkers.
- OG Anunoby is one of the best role players of the 2020s, a great 3-and-D guy.
Photo credit: © Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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