The Los Angeles Clippers are gearing up to seriously contend in the upcoming NBA season, highlighted by the additions of several high-caliber players, including Bradley Beal and Chris Paul. Regarding the 40-year-old point guard, Trae Young made a specific request to the California franchise.
On Tuesday, the X account of Etienne Catalan shared a post confirming that Chris Paul will wear jersey No. 3 this season — the same number he wore during his first stint with the Clippers from 2011 to 2017.
Unexpectedly, that post received a response from another NBA star: Trae Young. From his official account, the Atlanta Hawks guard shared a direct message aimed at Clippers leadership. “Retire it during the farewell tour,” wrote Young, including a fire emoji alongside his words.
Within a few hours, Trae’s comment had received more than 2,800 likes from users who supported the idea. Among the replies, many Clippers fans took the opportunity to encourage Young to consider joining the team in the future.
Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks drives past Chris Paul of the Phoenix Suns on February 03, 2022.
Which numbers have the Clippers retired?
If Trae Young’s suggestion became reality, it would mark a unique moment in NBA history. The Clippers are the only team in the league that has never retired a jersey number in honor of an iconic player in franchise history, meaning Chris Paul would be the first.
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The only number currently unavailable to Clippers players is No. 6. That jersey was officially retired league-wide by the NBA in August 2022 in tribute to Bill Russell, Boston Celtics legend and the winningest player in league history with 11 championships.
What role will Chris Paul have with the Clippers?
Trae Young, like many others, seems to be assuming that Paul’s career is nearing its end — and that this season may be the final one for the veteran guard. Based on recent reports regarding the conditions of Paul’s return, that assumption may be accurate.
Chris Paul is expected to adapt to an unusual role during this stint with the Clippers, likely serving as the team’s third option at point guard. James Harden clearly holds the starting spot, while Kris Dunn remains the primary backup.
According to NBA insider Brian Windhorst, Paul “is not gonna have guaranteed playing time… There are going to be nights where James Harden and their backup Kris Dunn get the minutes at point guard and Chris Paul might not play at all.” However, the guard appears to have accepted the situation in order to stay close to his family in California — and to be part of a roster with legitimate championship aspirations.
SurveyShould the Clippers retire jersey number 3 to honor Chris Paul?
Should the Clippers retire jersey number 3 to honor Chris Paul?
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