Main transfer of the offseason, Paul George has therefore signed with the Sixers for a four-year, $212 million contract. After Indiana, OKC and Los Angeles, the All-Star winger arrives in Philadelphia, and he is forced to change his number. Gone is the number 13, which he had worn for nine years, since this jersey is retired by the Sixers. It was Wilt Chamberlain's number.
Instead, Paul George opted for the number 8, and it's a way of coming full circle, since it's a tribute to Kobe Bryant, who started out in the NBA with the number 24. “I'm in Philadelphia. He's my idol, the 'Bean' Kobe Bryant… I had to do it. It's my way of representing Kobe. I had to have something that made sense after the 24 and the 13. I like the 8, the 8 suits me well” he says with his buddies from his podcast.
Three more numbers in mind
It should be remembered that Kobe was born in Philadelphia, and played at Lower Merion High School before being drafted by the Lakers. Until 2006, he wore number 8, before switching to number 24 until the end of his career.
George says he also considered taking the 14th, 25th or 31st. “My son can't pronounce 13, so there was 14.” he continued, before explaining that he had worn 25 and 31 in high school. But neither had the strength of number 8.
“It’s good to think about those moments, when you look at that jersey… and say to yourself that it’s for him that I’m wearing it.” concludes the ex-“PG13”.
