Paul George is making a significant change as he transitions from the LA Clippers to the Philadelphia 76ers, swapping out his blue-and-red uniform for the Sixers' variation of the colors. However, this move also involves a switch in jersey number for the veteran forward.
For the first time since 2015, George will not be wearing his traditional No. 13. This change was necessary as the No. 13 is retired in Philadelphia in honor of legendary center Wilt Chamberlain.
Instead, George has decided to pay homage to his idol, Kobe Bryant, by choosing to wear the No. 8 jersey. Bryant, who was born in Philadelphia and achieved great success with the Los Angeles Lakers, wore the No. 8 during the first decade of his NBA career.
Explaining his decision, George expressed his admiration for Bryant and his connection to Philadelphia, stating, 'I had to do it. C'mon man, I'm in Philly. My way of idolizing Kobe.'
George also shared a heartwarming anecdote about his 3½-year-old son, Paul Vuk George, who struggled to pronounce the number 13 and instead referred to it as 14. While considering his son's preference, George ultimately decided that the number 14 did not feel right for him. He also contemplated numbers 25 and 31, which he wore in high school, but ultimately settled on the No. 8 as the most fitting choice.
This new jersey number represents a full-circle moment for George, as his first NBA number with the Indiana Pacers was No. 24, the same number Bryant wore during his final 10 seasons with the Lakers.
