Basketball players are often superstitious. How else to explain the No. 13 uniform? Since the National Basketball Association began play in 1946, 340 players have worn No. 12 on the back of their uniform and 278 have worn the No. 14. But the number 13 has been worn by just 151 players. Even though many players have stayed away from the number, several top-level players have shown no fear of No. 13.
Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain entered the league in 1959-60 after an All-American career at Kansas. Chamberlain was unstoppable as a rookie in his No. 13 jersey with the Philadelphia Warriors. He averaged 37.6 points per game and 27.0 rebounds per game. Chamberlain would stick with the same uniform number throughout his career during stints with the San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers. Chamberlain averaged 50.4 points per game in the 1961-62 season and scored 100 points in a game that year against the New York Knicks. He is probably the most famous player to wear No. 13 in pro sports history.
Steve Nash
Steve Nash was drafted in 1996-97 by the Phoenix Suns out of Santa Clara. Nash was seen by scouts as too small and too slow to ever be more than a role player in the NBA. Instead, Nash has become one of the best point guards in NBA history. Nash has worn No. 13 in two stints with the Suns and one with the Dallas Mavericks. Nash has been a two-time league MVP and has been an All-Star seven times. Nash is known as one one of the top ball-handlers and passers in league history.
Kendall Gill
Gill came into the NBA in the 1990-91 season when he was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets out of the University of Illinois. Gill immediately donned his No. 13 uniform and became one of the top shooting guards in the league. Gill was a top-level athlete who could hit the outside shot and also could take the ball to the rim. He was known for his spectacular athleticism during his 15-year career that saw him play with six teams.
Mark Jackson
Mark Jackson made a name as one of the NBA's top ball-handling guards in his familiar No. 13 jersey. Jackson played his college basketball at St. John's University and the New York native made his debut with the Los Angeles Clippers. Jackson would eventually become an impact player for the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks during his 17-year career in the league. He led the NBA in assists in the 1996-97 season.
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