Paul George has been hinting at something all summer, using the hashtag #Trece and #YoungTrece in his posts on Twitter. What he has been getting at is that he will be sporting a new look the next time he’s on the basketball court.
Late Monday, Paul George changed his Instagram name to ‘ygtrece’ and sent out this edited photo.
George, the face of the Pacers, is changing his number to 13, sources confirmed to VigilantSports.com
ESPN’s Darren Rovell first reported George’s request for a number change.
Long before George’s brutal leg injury, even before 2014 NBA Playoffs, George requested a number change by the March deadline. (Players have to give the NBA and adidas plenty of time to adjust accordingly.)
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George wasn’t the only Pacer to file a request. Solomon Hill, who just completed his rookie season, requested to go back to his high school number, 44.
Many refer to George as ‘PG,’ but now he can go by the catchy ‘PG-13.’
The team’s home court gift shop, as well as its online store, has removed all George merchandise. But they will soon have jerseys, t-shirt jerseys, and more once an official announcement is made and inventory arrives.
Though the Palmdale, CA., grew up a Los Angeles Clippers fan, he has long been a fan of Kobe Bryant. “One day I’m going to be like him,” George said last year. Thus, at Knight High School, Fresno State, and his first four seasons with the Pacers, he wore 24.
George shared a connection with Indiana Fever star Tamika Catchings, who also wears 24.
Now in a new era – his rookie contract is over and he’s beginning the first year of a five-year deal worth about $92 million – George is going with a new look. He also has a signature shoe with Nike in the works.
His Twitter handle, @Paul_George24, is in need of a change now, too.
So, what do you think? Do you like his number change? Click here to leave your thought on our Facebook page.