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Paul will wear his iconic No. 3 jersey as he returns to the Los Angeles Clippers for his final NBA season. Bradley Beal, who wore No. 3, gifted the number to Paul out of respect.
Clippers announced Chris Paul taking back his legendary No. 3 jersey (X)
Chris Paul will once again don his iconic No. 3 jersey as he returns to the Los Angeles Clippers for what is expected to be his final NBA season.
Paul, who signed with the Clippers as a free agent, will be gifted the number by newly acquired guard Bradley Beal. The decision was confirmed by Lawrence Frank, the Clippers’ president of basketball operations, during a teleconference on Tuesday.
Beal’s Gesture of Respect
“Once Brad heard it was a possibility that Chris was coming, he said, ‘I want to give him my number,’” Frank revealed. “And I don’t even think Chris knows this yet. It’s awesome that Brad made such a great gesture like that.”
Beal, who has worn No. 3 throughout his entire NBA career, chose to give up the number out of respect for Paul, who is widely known by his nickname “CP3.” Frank emphasized Beal’s understanding of the number’s significance.
Paul’s Final Chapter
Paul has worn No. 3 since entering the league in 2005. Even during his lone season in San Antonio, forward Keldon Johnson gave up the number so Paul could maintain it.
Now 39 years old, Paul is expected to take on a reduced role with the Clippers, primarily coming off the bench. Though he appeared in 82 games for the Spurs last season, the Clippers have a different plan for the veteran guard.
“Chris was the best guy for the job—as long as we all understand what the role is,” said Frank. “There will be nights Chris plays a lot, and there will be nights he does not.”
Beal Yet to Choose New Number
As for Beal, a new jersey number has not yet been decided. Frank said the team is giving him time to make that choice, following his selfless gesture.
Paul’s return to Los Angeles holds personal significance, as his family resides there. This season marks his 21st in the NBA, and all signs suggest it may be his last.
(with AP inputs)
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term…Read More
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term… Read More
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