24YO Spurs Star Forces Chris Paul to Ditch Major Legacy Cornerstone; Refuses to Sacrifice For His Own Idol

The number that dominates the back of an NBA player’s jersey isn’t an idea that was dreamed up on a whim. It relates to an important part of their history or another person they want to pay tribute to. In the same way that Michael Jordan’s iconic number “23” to Kobe Bryant ‘8’These numbers will later become an important part of the player’s identity. For this reason, even with the arrival of Chris Paul At the San Antonio Spurs, a 24-year-old veteran refuses to back down.

Earlier today, news broke that Keldon Johnson will continue to wear the number “3” jersey he has worn since being drafted by the franchise, and the NBA, in 2019. This revelation was made by the player himself, while he was participating in a meet and greet session on South Padre Island. When Victor Juarez, a Spurs fan, allegedly asked him “Are you keeping (the number) three jersey?” Johnson responded “Yes, I will be number three next year, that’s for sure.”

This number is the same one that the Spurs’ newest addition, aka Chris Paul, has been wearing since 2005! Unfortunately, with Johnson not wanting to give up No. 3 and given that no two players on an NBA team can have the same number, the 12-time NBA All-Star will have to find another number to cover his ass after nearly two decades!

Ironically, Chris Paul is one of the two reasons why Keldon Johnson wears number 3! He revealed the same in an interview by stating “I was the third child in my family. And when I was younger, Chris Paul was my favorite player. I watched a lot of his highlights when I was younger. I was the third child, and everything worked out.” After five years in the league, the number has taken such a hold on the winger/guard that he wouldn’t even give it up for his idol. Speculation that the 6-foot-8 player would continue to wear the “3” even with Chris Paul’s arrival made waves during the latter’s introduction ceremony in early July. A major part of any introduction press conference is the player posing next to his new team jersey with the name and number highlighted on the back. However, when his time came, Chris Paul didn’t hold up a Spurs jersey with the number 3, or any other number.

Changing jersey numbers is not an uncommon phenomenon in the NBA. After spending over 13 years with the Miami Heat, as well as a brief stint with the Chicago Bulls, Dwyane Wade changed his jersey number from “3” has ‘9’ after joining the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017. He had to do so because Isaiah Thomas, who was also drafted that same year, took the number for himself. Shaquille O’Neal, who wore the number “32” during his years with the Orlando Magic, changed it to the number ’34’ Chris Paul has joined the Los Angeles Lakers. He has done so since the franchise retired the number in honor of its former wearer: Magic Johnson. Therefore, knowing how much he wants to be a part of the San Antonio Spurs, Chris Paul might be open to this change.

Chris Paul ‘thrilled’ to play alongside Gregg Popovich and Victor Wembanyama

Gregg Popovich is a legend in the NBA coaching community. After all, he is the longest-tenured active coach in the NBA, having spent over 28 years as the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs and won five NBA championships along the way. Another individual the Spurs can boast is Victor Wembanyama. The Frenchman had one of the best individual rookie seasons in league history, as he became one of only four players since the NBA/ABA merger to average at least 20 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks in his rookie season. Thanks to that, Chris Paul is on cloud nine on membership the Spurs.

In a video dedicated to “Spurs Supporters”The 39-year-old continued: “I never thought I’d get the opportunity to play for Pop, but I’m so excited. I’m excited about this young, talented team. I can’t wait to get out there and get to work and see what we get a chance to do. Go Spurs.” During a “NBA TV” July 1st segmentsaid renowned journalist Chris B Haynes “He (Chris Paul) is excited about the opportunity to partner with Wembanyama… Pop just sold him on the culture and what they’re trying to do.”

The Spurs had one of the worst records in the 2023-24 NBA season, going 22-60. However, a partnership with Chris Paul, Victor Wembanyama and Gregg Popovich could change that. Provided the veteran isn’t unhappy about losing his jersey number.

Before you go, don’t forget to check out this cross between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.