SAN ANTONIO — Before entering the NBA, San Antonio Spurs' Keldon Johnson wore jersey number three at Kentucky and Oak Hills Academy in Virginia.
He picked that jersey number for two reasons: He is the third child in his family and growing up, his favorite player was the newest member of the Spurs, Chris Paul.
In July 2020, during the NBA "bubble season," Johnson spoke with "Coach B," the Director of Basketball Operations of the Boo Williams Summer League in Virginia, where he played at the Boo Williams Summer League.
During the chat, Johnson spoke about why he wears the jersey number.
"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."
"I was the third child, and it all came in line," he said.
Since the Spurs signed the veteran point guard, fans are now wondering which jersey number he would wear.
Paul has always worn number three. Will that continue now that he is in San Antonio because Johnson also wears the same number?
To add more mystery, during Paul's introduction, he did not hold up his new Spurs jersey, which left many wondering if he would still wear number three.
Chances are good that Keldon will be perfectly fine with switching jersey numbers for his childhood basketball idol.
Regardless of how this is settled, Johnson must be thrilled to be teaming up with the same player he watched growing up and to learn from him.
Paul says he did not come to San Antonio to be a coach, but Johnson will likely seek out his new teammate's basketball knowledge.
Let us know what you think, Spurs fans. Follow us on X at @KENS5 and @JeffGSpursZone.