The phrase refers to individuals participating in the National Basketball Association (NBA) who have chosen to wear the jersey bearing the numeral 4. This number, like all others in the NBA, becomes associated with the players who wear it, sometimes developing iconic status or representing specific playing styles.
The significance of a particular number in professional basketball is often tied to the achievements and legacy of the player wearing it. While some numbers are retired by specific teams in honor of exceptionally impactful players, number 4 is available for use unless already claimed on a particular team. The player wearing it has the opportunity to build a personal brand and legacy associated with that specific identifier.