SAN ANTONIO — Before entering the NBA, San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson wore jersey No. 3 at Kentucky and Oak Hills Academy in Virginia.
He picked that jersey number for two reasons.
He is the third child in his family. As a child, his favorite player was the newest member of the Spurs, Chris Paul.
"Growing up, I was the third child," Johnson said. "And when I was growing up, Chris Paul was my favorite player. I watched a lot of his highlights when I was younger."
But since Paul's arrival, it's been an open question if he'll give up No. 3 for his childhood idol Paul.
Speculation was stirred at Paul's introductory conference, where he didn't hold up a Spurs jersey with 3, or any other number, for that matter.
However, during a recent meet-and-greet at South Padre Island, Johnson revealed he is keeping jersey No. 3.
But have things changed since Keldon's statement?
Maybe if recent footage from NBA 2K25 is any indication.
As the popular video game is set to hit shelves, NBA 2K25 has released footage of the Spurs in action, and eagle-eyed fans noticed something interesting: Paul is wearing No. 3, and Johnson is wearing No. 0.
Keep in mind that NBA 2K25 mirrors the NBA.
If a player is traded, new jerseys are set to be released, re-imagined court designs, or any roster updates, the game developers will update accordingly.
This begs the question: Do the game developers know Johnson is switching jersey numbers with Paul?
If he is switching to No. 0, it is not surprising. Johnson wore No. 0 during his time with the Austin Spurs.
Of course, this is not official, and things could change between now and the start of the new season despite Johnson's statement that he is sticking with No. 3.
Maybe Johnson gives in? Maybe Paul pays Johnson for the number, or the powers that be push him into giving up No. 3 for Paul?
Neither the Spurs nor the NBA have made any official announcement about whether Johnson is changing numbers and if Paul will be No. 3 for the Spurs.
Let us know what you think, Spurs fans. Should Keldon have given up his No. 3 Spurs jersey for the NBA veteran, considering Paul was his favorite player growing up?
Let us know what you think at @KENS5 and @JeffGSpursKENS5.