No longer in the shadow of Kobe “Bean” Bryant as No. 24, meet PG-13!
Last week, Nike came out in support for recently injured Indiana Pacers shooting guard Paul George, with an official comeback ad-campaign. Although he’s away from the hardwood action, recovering from a right left compound fracture suffered during last month’s Team USA scrimmages; he joins LeBron James as the next player to change his jersey number.
Beginning at the start of the 2016 season, George will be wearing no. 13 – creating his new moniker “PG-13.” Last season, he finished 15th in league jersey sales, but we’re expecting his ranking among players to rise, due to recent support from close peers and the world.
— Paul George (@Paul_George24) August 5, 2014
Last year, the idea was first mentioned in an episode of Grandtland with Simmons saying:
By the way, I have some advice that will help Paul George become a household name,” Simmons wrote. “He should change his number immediately from No. 24 to No. 13. Here’s why … can you think of anyone being helped by a nickname more than Paul George suddenly becoming PG-13? ‘Uh-oh, PG-13 is heating up!’ ‘Warning, this game contains strong language, violence and a possible heat check!’ ‘We might have to make this performance rated R — it’s too hot to handle!’ Let’s make this happen already.
Earlier this year, Paul was guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live, where Jimmy mentioned the idea of PG-13 having a ring to it; but today, George finally followed through with an official change to his life and career. Beginning next fall in 2015, PG-13 will have a clean slate for play and hopefully some more free agent additions for the Pacers to make another run at the Finals.
OS REWIND: Nike’s Paul George Comeback Ad
OS REWIND: Paul George Breaks Leg In Team USA Scrimmage
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