The Los Angeles Clippers are preparing to sell new jerseys for Bradley Beal that use Chris Paul’s longstanding No. 3 number, a move that is prompting debate among fans. The Athletic notes that while the franchise has not retired any jerseys, Paul’s No. 3 has been closely associated with him and would have been considered a candidate for the honor.
CBS Sports reports that no other Clippers player has worn No. 3 since Paul’s departure from the team in 2011, highlighting how long the number has remained identified with him. The outlet says the change is expected to take place this season, with Beal set to be the next player to wear the number. The Athletic and CBS Sports both frame the development as notable because of the rarity of No. 3 being used by anyone other than Paul over more than a decade, even though Clippers jersey-legacy decisions have historically differed from franchises that retire numbers.
