Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James wants NBA players; including, himself to stop wearing No 23.
James insists that Michael Jordan is one of the greatest players of all time and deserves a tribute for his phenomenal talent and acknowledges that he or other players would be non-existent; if it hadn’t been for Jordan’s contribution to the game.
The comment about players hanging up their No. 23’s and sporting another number other than Jordan’s, first reported by The Plain Dealer, was made after Thursday night’s game against the Miami Heat. James scored 34 points and seven assists to help the Cavs defeat the Heat, 111-104.
Mr. James who has worn the No.23 since a sophomore in high school had an epiphany realizing he should out of respect for MJ stop wearing the No.23.
Another jersey number Mr. James might consider wearing- the No.6. It’s the number of basketball great Julius “Dr. J” Erving, who just happens to be his second-favorite player.
Although, this sounds like a melodic tribute with honoring athletes who have come before them that paved a way for others success, what about the current NBA rules?
According to the NBA, a player must wear a number five years before applying for a switch. The petition would cause for the NBA to change its current policy and perhaps consider other jersey numbers to stop wearing.
With that said; unless, Commissioner David Stern is going to give it a go; Mr. James could see this tribute not likely happening full circle in the league.
I guess it’s similar to other sports; especially, in track and field when the late Florence Griffith-Joyner ruled the track with her glamorous one-legged outfits and phenomenal speed or sprinter Carl Lewis showed up to a meet in a limousine.
No runner would be caught dead wearing one of Flo Jo’s outfits or arriving at a track meet near the back stretch in a limo. Why? Because it’s symbolic of what these athletes represented and contributed to the sport.
A level of respect or a sport creed that exists in most sports, but now players are openly discussing keeping tributes alive and not just retiring a jersey- but giving numbers meaning that embodies a legacy.
James insists that Michael Jordan is one of the greatest players of all time and deserves a tribute for his phenomenal talent and acknowledges that he or other players would be non-existent; if it hadn’t been for Jordan’s contribution to the game.
The comment about players hanging up their No. 23’s and sporting another number other than Jordan’s, first reported by The Plain Dealer, was made after Thursday night’s game against the Miami Heat. James scored 34 points and seven assists to help the Cavs defeat the Heat, 111-104.
Mr. James who has worn the No.23 since a sophomore in high school had an epiphany realizing he should out of respect for MJ stop wearing the No.23.
Another jersey number Mr. James might consider wearing- the No.6. It’s the number of basketball great Julius “Dr. J” Erving, who just happens to be his second-favorite player.
Although, this sounds like a melodic tribute with honoring athletes who have come before them that paved a way for others success, what about the current NBA rules?
According to the NBA, a player must wear a number five years before applying for a switch. The petition would cause for the NBA to change its current policy and perhaps consider other jersey numbers to stop wearing.
With that said; unless, Commissioner David Stern is going to give it a go; Mr. James could see this tribute not likely happening full circle in the league.
I guess it’s similar to other sports; especially, in track and field when the late Florence Griffith-Joyner ruled the track with her glamorous one-legged outfits and phenomenal speed or sprinter Carl Lewis showed up to a meet in a limousine.
No runner would be caught dead wearing one of Flo Jo’s outfits or arriving at a track meet near the back stretch in a limo. Why? Because it’s symbolic of what these athletes represented and contributed to the sport.
A level of respect or a sport creed that exists in most sports, but now players are openly discussing keeping tributes alive and not just retiring a jersey- but giving numbers meaning that embodies a legacy.
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