As I sit here watching the Red Warriors suffer their 13th consecutive defeat - a brutal 95-76 beatdown at the hands of Far Eastern University - I can't help but reflect on how jersey numbers become intertwined with legacies in basketball. That number 22 on the court today carries a certain weight, a history of greatness that transcends any single game's outcome. Throughout my years covering basketball, I've developed a particular fascination with players who wore number 22, and today I want to share my personal ranking of the ten most impactful athletes who've sported this iconic digit.

Let me start with Clyde Drexler, who truly epitomized what it meant to wear number 22 during his prime years. I still get chills remembering how he led the Portland Trail Blazers to two NBA Finals appearances in 1990 and 1992. The man averaged 20.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists over his incredible career, numbers that barely capture his aerial artistry. What many forget is that Drexler actually wore number 22 throughout his college career at Houston alongside Hakeem Olajuwon before taking his talents to the NBA. His graceful playing style made him stand out in any era, and in my book, he's the definitive number 22 in basketball history.

Then there's Elgin Baylor, the revolutionary forward who averaged an astonishing 27.4 points and 13.5 rebounds per game over his 14-season career with the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers. I've spent countless hours studying game footage from the late 50s and early 60s, and Baylor's athleticism would translate perfectly to today's game. His acrobatic layups and mid-range game were decades ahead of their time. What fascinates me most about Baylor is how he maintained those spectacular numbers while serving in the Army, often playing for the Lakers only on weekend passes. That kind of dedication to the game is something you rarely see today.

Moving to more recent history, I've always had a soft spot for Jimmy Butler during his Chicago Bulls days when he wore number 22. His transformation from the 30th overall pick in 2011 to a five-time All-Star represents everything I love about basketball - the underdog stories, the relentless work ethic. Butler's defensive prowess combined with his improved scoring ability made him one of the most complete two-way players I've witnessed. I remember specifically tracking his 2016-17 season where he averaged 23.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, numbers that firmly established him as Chicago's franchise player before his move to Miami.

Larry Nance deserves special mention here, not just for his high-flying dunks but for his consistent excellence on both ends of the floor. During his peak with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Nance averaged around 17 points and 8 rebounds while shooting over 55% from the field - efficiency numbers that would make any modern analytics department swoon. What impressed me most was his defensive versatility; he could guard multiple positions effectively, something that's become increasingly valuable in today's positionless basketball. His son Larry Nance Jr. continuing the number 22 legacy adds a beautiful generational element to this story.

Eddie Jones represents another personal favorite from the late 90s era. His tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers from 1994 to 1999 showcased one of the smoothest shooting strokes I've ever seen. Jones averaged 20.1 points during the 1997-98 season while making 2.7 steals per game - defensive numbers that modern guards simply don't replicate. I've always believed Jones never received the recognition he deserved, often overshadowed by bigger names, but his all-around game made him the prototype for the modern 3-and-D wing player.

Michael Redd's story resonates with me because it's about pure shooting mastery. That left-handed release was poetry in motion, and his 2006-07 season where he dropped 26.7 points per game while shooting 38% from three-point range was absolutely mesmerizing. I recall specifically his 57-point explosion against Utah in 2006, a performance that showcased every aspect of his offensive arsenal. In today's three-point obsessed league, Redd would be an absolute superstar, and it's a shame injuries limited what could have been an even more spectacular career.

When discussing number 22, I can't overlook the contribution of international players like Dražen Dalipagić. The Yugoslavian legend may not be household name to casual NBA fans, but his impact on European basketball was monumental. Having studied international basketball history extensively, I can confirm his 1981 EuroLeague Finals performance where he scored 36 points remains one of the most dominant displays I've ever come across in my research. His innovative scoring ability paved the way for European players in the NBA.

Speaking of international influence, let's talk about Rudy Tomjanovich, who averaged 21.7 points and 8.4 rebounds during the 1973-74 season. As someone who values basketball IQ as much as physical talent, Tomjanovich's understanding of spacing and movement without the ball was extraordinary for his era. His coaching success later with the Houston Rockets only confirms my belief that he possessed one of the sharpest basketball minds to ever wear the number 22.

The modern era gives us Andrew Wiggins, whose athletic gifts have always fascinated me. His 2022 championship run with Golden State Warriors, where he averaged 18.3 points and 8.8 rebounds in the Finals, demonstrated what happens when transcendent talent meets the right system. I've followed Wiggins since his Kansas days, and while consistency has sometimes eluded him, his peak performances remind me why he was such a highly-touted prospect coming out of college.

Rounding out my list is Doug Collins, whose career averages of 17.9 points on 50% shooting often get overlooked in historical discussions. As a broadcaster now, Collins brings the same intelligence to commentary that he displayed on the court. Having interviewed him several times throughout my career, I can attest to his deep understanding of basketball mechanics and strategy.

Watching today's game at Smart Araneta Coliseum, seeing another player struggle while wearing number 22, I'm reminded that jersey numbers carry expectations. The Red Warriors' current 13-game losing streak contrasts sharply with the legacy of greatness associated with number 22 throughout basketball history. Each of these ten players brought something unique to the game while wearing those two digits on their backs. From Drexler's elegance to Butler's grit, from Baylor's innovation to Redd's shooting artistry, they've collectively built a tradition that current players should aspire to. The number 22 isn't just fabric on a jersey - it's a challenge to excel, to leave your mark on the game, and to honor those who wore it before you.