How Paul George will honour Kobe Bryant with the Philadelphia 76ers

Paul George’s switch from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Philadelphia 76ers has been one of the most eye-catching moves of the summer in the NBA and one which could, some believe, turn the Sixers into genuine championship contenders.

Hours after the Clippers had announced the 34-year-old would be leaving and hitting free agency, it was reported he had agreed a four-year, $212 million maximum contract with the 76ers, where he will link up with fellow All-Stars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.

On Sunday, the small forward revealed during a teaser trailer for the latest episode of his podcast, Podcast P with Paul George, that he would be wearing the No. 8 jersey in Philadelphia, a number he has never previously had in his career.

Why will Paul George wear No. 8 for the Sixers?

George’s previous numbers, 13 (Wilt Chamberlain) and 24 (Bobby Jones) are both retired by the Sixers, which will result in him paying tribute to another NBA icon - Kobe Bryant. Although he spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers, Bryant was born in Philadelphia and wore 8 early on in his professional basketball career.

“I had to do it,” George said. “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. It was only right. I like the 8, the 8 looks good on me.”

The nine-time NBA All-Star explained that it hadn’t been an easy decision to make, and that he sought the advice of his wife as he ran through a long list of possible numbers to wear. But the pull of being able to emulate and pay tribute to one of his heroes eventually swayed him.

“You know what? 8. It’s only fitting. For me, it’s good to have those moments when you look at that jersey…yeh, this is who I’m putting it on for. I wanted that moment to just be able to be to hold myself accountable. 8 is 8. 8 is a special number man.”