Before going down with his broken leg in a USA Basketball scrimmage, Paul George was making plans to re-shape his branding.
ESPN reports that George applied for the right and was granted approval to change his jersey number from 24 to 13. George, who is from the outskirts of Los Angeles, wore 24 because of Kobe Bryant. Changing his jersey number to 13 would make for a simple and fun nickname — PG-13.
Bill Simmons suggested the nickname for George back in a Grantland column in May 2013.
By the way, I have some advice that will help Paul George become a household name. He should change his number immediately from no. 24 to no. 13. Here’s why … can you think of anyone being helped by a nickname more than Paul George suddenly becoming “PG-13?” Uh-oh, PG-13 is heating up! Warning, this game contains strong language, violence and a possible heat check! We might have to make this performance rated “R” — it’s too hot to handle! Let’s make this happen already.
George was on Jimmy Kimmel in January and had this to say when asked about the nickname.
“That’s not bad. That’s got a ring to it, PG-13.”
Since then, George has dropped hints on Twitter about switching to the nickname. He’s used “trece” several times on Twitter, which means thirteen in Spanish.
Thanks everybody for the love and support.. I'll be ok and be back better than ever!!! Love y'all!! #YoungTrece
— Paul George (@Paul_George24) August 2, 2014
— Paul George (@Paul_George24) August 5, 2014
PG-13 — that is some excellent branding. The only problem is that George broke his leg since planning the number change, which won’t exactly help 13’s reputation for being a bad-luck number.
