Paul George’s move from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Philadelphia 76ers makes the Sixers a team to watch out for the 2024-25 season. After his transfer to the Sixers franchise, he changed his iconic shirt number from No. 13 to No. 8. Also, Paul George made a name for himself in the number 13 jersey and would do so in his current number. However, what does this new number signify?
Paul George’s Connection With His Jersey Numbers
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Paul George has been quite intentional about the number he picks for his Jersey. The All-Star player started his NBA career in 2010 at Indiana Pacers with the number 24 jersey. While growing up, the California native idolized Kobe Bryant who played for the Los Angeles Lakers. The former Clippers forward always wanted to play for the Lakers. As a youngster, he planned to get traded to the Lakers as a free agent. Even at Oklahoma City Thunder, the nine-time All-Star wanted to play for the Lakers.
After four years of sporting the No. 24 jersey at the Indiana Pacers, Paul George switched to No. 13. This switch earned him the nickname “PG13”. Also, he spent his last three seasons with the Indiana Pacer as PG13 (2014-2017). Then, the six-time All-NBA player moved to the OKC Thunder and the Los Angeles Clippers.
Also, when asked why he changed his Jersey number to 13 at that time, the Sixer forward said “I was just superstitious about changing my number.” He further explained that he has been in the No. 24 jersey for as long as he could remember since he was a big Kobe Bryant fan. Also, George continued by saying he felt at that stage where he was “ready to embrace everything that comes with being one of the young stars in this league.”
It’s a New Era For George At The Philly
Paul George always wanted to play beside his idol, Kobe Bryant, at the Los Angeles Lakers. But he landed at the Clippers where he played for five seasons. Also, due to his love for Kobe, his welcome to the Clippers gave the vibe of “you should’ve been a Laker,” as George expressed in his podcast show. However, moving to the Sixers partially fulfilled Geogre’s dream while he was a young NBA player.
Kobe Byrant is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania which is the Sixers’ hometown. Also, what makes Paul George’s connection with his new jersey number (No. 8), is that was the jersey Kobe Bryant wore at the Lakers and won three NBA championships before changing it to No. 24. Thus, George pays respect and honor to his idol as he plays in Kobe’s hometown with his former jersey number (No. 8).
George’s Ultimate Goal with the Philadephia 76ers
The Sixers franchise signed the nine-time All-Star player for four years to earn $212 million. Also, George may end his NBA career at the Sixers given that he maintains a cordial relationship with the club. During his press conference at the Sixers, the All-Star player revealed that his ultimate goal was to support Joel Embiid. Paul George plays an excellent supporting role as a basketball player especially when Kawhi Leonard was sidelined due to an injury. Also, this mentality could elevate the Sixers next season to achieve great things. Finally, the player who benefits more from George’s presence is the young Tyrese Maxey who would be the next face of the Philly franchise.
Final Thoughts
Expectations from the Philadelphia 76ers are high as the club would emerge as the newest Big-Three team next season. However, the Sixers would face some setbacks next season. These setbacks include the health of Paul George and Joel Embiid and the lack of power-forward players. Also, part of the Sixers’ goal is to move past the playoffs’ first round and beyond next season, thus if their Big Three is unhealthy, it could affect the overall performance of the team.
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