NBA free agency kicked off with a bang bright and early last week, headlined by a blockbuster four-year, $212 million deal that sends Paul George to the City of Brotherly Love.
A nine-time All-Star, one would assume George would be able to wear whatever number he wanted anywhere he might play — especially with a nickname like PG-13. However, the only thing that could stop him from toting his No. 13 from Los Angeles is the league's old guard, some of whom have earned the right to wear their numbers in the rafters after their time on the court is done.
Unfortunately for George, a new number is inevitable, and whether a new nickname will come with it is up in the air.
MORE: Why did Paul George leave Clippers for 76ers?
Why can't Paul George wear No. 13 with the 76ers?
Long before George began to wear No. 13 as a member of the Indiana Pacers, the number carried special significance in the City of Brotherly Love. The 76ers retired the number in 1991 to honor Wilt Chamberlain, who donned 13 in Philly from 1965 to 1968.
A four-time league MVP, Chamberlain famously notched his 100-point game in a Philadelphia Warriors jersey in 1962. The single-game scoring record still stands the test of time. He played for the Warriors from 1959-1962 before moving with the team to San Francisco from 1962-1965. He then moved back to Philadelphia to join the newly minted 76ers for four seasons.
Aside from winning two NBA titles (one with the 76ers in 1967 and one with the Lakers in 1972), Chamberlain was also a 13-time NBA All-Star and 10-time All-NBA selection. Chamberlain is a fixture of the league and a legend of the game — unfortunately for George, that means No. 13 is not an option in his new digs.
MORE: Live grades and analysis of every free agency signing
What number will Paul George wear with the 76ers?
George will don No. 8 for the 76ers, he revealed in his hit podcast, "The Podcast P Show."
George came to the selection after days of deliberation. In the end, though, the biggest factor motivating his move — besides the fact that No. 13 belonged to Wilt the Stilt — was one of Philadelphia's greatest sons: Kobe Bryant.
Paul George announces he's wearing No. 8 with the 76ers.
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) July 7, 2024
"My way of idolizing Kobe."
(via @PodcastPShow) pic.twitter.com/6n3gBwzs5B
Bryant famously sported the digit during the first half of his epic career. He did the integer proud, capturing three world titles alongside Shaquille O'Neal while sporting the No. 8 across his chest.
George's arrival in the City of Brotherly Love — a place that Bryant hailed from — seemed the perfect opportunity to pay homage to one of his greatest inspirations. He's used to sharing Bryant's digits, too, having draped himself in the No. 24 during his days with the Pacers. That number wasn't available for selection this time around, however; it belongs to Sixers legend (and Basketball Hall of Famer) Bobby Jones.
MORE: How Paul George and other signings impact Philadelphia's payroll, depth chart
Paul George jersey number history
George also wore No. 24 in college during his two seasons at Fresno State from 2008-2010. This will be the third number he has worn in the NBA on his fourth different team.
| Number | Years | Team(s) |
| 24 | 2010-2014 | Pacers |
| 13 | 2015-2024 | Pacers, Thunder, Clippers |
| 8 | Present | 76ers |
76ers retired numbers
10 former Philly stars have earned the right for their numbers to be honored permanently in the rafters.
Here are the deserving 76ers whose digits have been retired:
| Number | Player | Years with 76ers |
| 2 | Moses Malone | 1982-86, 1993-94 |
| 3 | Allen Iverson | 1996-2006, 2009-10 |
| 4 | Dolph Schayes | 1949-1963 |
| 6 | Julius Erving | 1976-1987 |
| 10 | Maurice Cheeks | 1978-1989 |
| 13 | Wilt Chamberlain | 1965-1968 |
| 15 | Hal Greer | 1958-1973 |
| 24 | Bobby Jones | 1978-1986 |
| 32 | Billy Cunningham | 1965-1972, 1974-76 |
| 34 | Charles Barkley | 1984-1992 |
This article has been updated since originally published
