In a nod to an NBA legend and Philly native, new Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George is set to don the No. 8 jersey as a tribute to the late Kobe Bryant, the team's storied homage to one of the sport's most revered figures heats up the hardwood once more. George, having been unable to sport his customary No. 13 and No. 24 due to the 76ers' retirement of those numbers for Wilt Chamberlain and Bobby Jones respectively, chose No. 8 to honor Bryant, who wore it during his early tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers. CBS News Philadelphia reported George's jersey selection was announced through his social media, teasing the upcoming episode of his podcast, "Podcast P with Paul George."
Pinning down his new number wasn't an impromptu decision: George reminisced about his idol and considered other numbers like his son's favorite and those from his high school playing days, but they didn't sit quite right, according to ESPN, he felt that every time he'd look at his jersey, it would serve as a reminder of 'who I'm putting it on for' highlighting an emotional connection not only to his sport but to a player who has deeply influenced his career.
George's career has spanned 14 years, starting in Indiana Pacers where he donned the No. 24 as Bryant did in the latter half of his Lakers stint, and moving through stints at Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Clippers where No. 13 was his number of choice. His selection of No. 8 for the Sixers is not just practical, given the retired numbers, but also sentimental, reflecting his respect and admiration for Bryant. This bit of jersey number history and George's journey through the NBA's numerology was detailed in a recent Bleacher Report article.
George promises to infuse this symbolic number with further glory, acknowledging Kobe Bryant's legacy and how it shaped his own approach to the game, he said in a statement, "C'mon man, I'm in Philly, my idol, the 'Bean' Kobe Bryant, my way of idolizing Kobe, and you know, something that meant something outside of 24 and 13, I like the eight, the eight looks good on me," he told CBS News Philadelphia, George’s tribute rekindles the spirit of 'Mamba Mentality' in a city where basketball lore is deeply cherished and the echoes of past legends still resound powerfully today.
