Retiring the late Kobe Bryant’s jersey numbers as a tribute is a growing trend, and the Chicago Bulls have two stars in which such an idea could impact.
Let’s take a look at why Chicago Bulls stars Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen shouldn’t get in their feelings and retire the No. 8 and No. 24 jersey numbers.
It was confirmed via Twitter that multiple NBA players are turning to retire their jersey numbers in a tribute to the late Kobe Bryant.
The league typically doesn’t allow players to change their jersey numbers midseason.
As it’s been learned, the league is reviewing requests to informally retire jersey numbers on a case by case basis.
Among those turning to retire their jersey number is Spencer Dinwiddie of the Brooklyn Nets.
Check it out:
Sources: Multiple NBA players have begun informally retiring Kobe Bryant’s jersey number(s) as a tribute — with Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie among them, changing from No. 8 to No. 26.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 28, 2020
The outpouring of respect for Bryant keeps did not stop with Dinwiddie.
Take a look:
Sources: Orlando’s Terrence Ross has changed his jersey number from No. 8 to No. 31 in honor of the late Kobe Bryant, who wore Nos. 8 and 24. League evaluating this case-by-case. https://t.co/go557WBieX
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 28, 2020
It’s not only the players who are weighing in on how to pay tribute to Bryant.
Check it out:
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban: "Our organization has decided that the number 24 will never again be worn by a Dallas Maverick.”
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 27, 2020
Should LaVine and Markkanen jump on the bandwagon by retiring the No. 8 and No. 24 jersey numbers?
I hope not.
There are countless ways to memorialize and pay tribute to loved ones lost.
For one thing, ESPN made the decision to re-broadcast Bryant’s final game on Monday night.
This is not a knock against Bryant and what he means to the NBA world.
You read that, right?
This is not a knock against Bryant and what he means to the NBA world.
Let me be clear, I was truly shocked by the news media reports indicating that Bryant died in a helicopter crash. He is clearly a bigger than life figure in the NBA world. His influence is far reaching.
However, the legacy of Bryant is equally as honorable as it is complicated.
Why, you ask?
In case you missed it, USA Today’s Nancy Armour wrote a column earlier this week in which she shed light on why people shouldn’t shy away from the complicated part of Bryant’s legacy. In the article, she bravely discusses how universal praise and adoration largely overshadows the fact that Bryant was not perfect.
As easy as it may seem to acknowledge Bryant for his accomplishments, it’s also important for the world not to bury this part of his past.
While some media outlets gently touched upon the complicated legacy of Bryant in their coverage, USA Today is the real MVP for taking a different approach–one which asks readers to think deeper about the media they’re consuming.
Another reason not to join the growing movement to retire Bryant’s jersey numbers is for the sake of fairness.
Is the league prepared to retire the jersey numbers of every player who dies in a tragic incident?
I don’t think it would be rational. It would be irrational.
At the same time, I recognize there are infinite numbers for the players to choose from.
Another thing to note is Bryant wasn’t a Bull. He was a Los Angeles Laker for the entirety of his career. As such, it makes sense for the Lakers to lead the charge in memorializing Bryant.
In case you missed it, the Lakers have already retired Bryant’s jersey numbers. I’m sure the franchise intends to memorialize and pay tribute to him in additional ways in the future.
I don’t want LaVine or Markkanen to feel pressure to retire their jersey numbers in order to deal with the tragic loss. There is more than one way to grieve and pay respect.
Retiring the No. 8 and No. 24 jersey numbers would take away some of the creative freedom the players have to wear a number of their choosing.
The league would be wise not to make a rash decision to retire the No. 8 and No. 24 jersey numbers league-wide.