Keldon Johnson is going back to his old Kentucky number

I love me some good jersey numbers. For whatever reason, I’ve always found the dynamic between players and the digits on their backs equivalent to the relationship between man and soul. Yes, I realize how ridiculous that sounds. No, I have not yet sought counseling for this. I confess my own special form of psychopathy to set the table for some NBA jersey number drama featuring former Kentucky forward Keldon Johnson.

It all started last season when Chris Paul joined the San Antonio Spurs. Johnson, who had worn No. 3 his entire five-year career with the Spurs (and also during his one year at Kentucky and at Oak Hill Academy in high school), faced a predicament because Paul had worn No. 3 for the entirety of his 19-year career with each of the seven teams for which he had played.

Should the much younger, but established veteran Johnson give up his number for the future Hall of Famer on a one-year deal? Well, he sure didn’t want to. It took some convincing from head coach Greg Popovich, but Johnson eventually switched to No. 0 so that CP3 could retain his nickname.

The twist? Keldon Johnson chose to wear No. 3 his entire life because Chris Paul was his basketball hero. In the famous words of Harvey Dent, you either retire a hero or play long enough to see yourself become the villain.

Now Chris Paul is off to Los Angeles, rejoining the LA Clippers for what could be his farewell season. With his idol out of the way, the team announced that Johnson will reclaim No. 3 once again. Hopefully, it will make him play a little better.

Ever since the Spurs drafted Victor Wembanyama, traded for former ‘Cat De’Aaron Fox, and generally elevated the talent on the team, Johnson’s production and playing time have diminished. After averaging 22 points per game in the 2022-23 season, Johnson slipped all the way down to just 12.7 last year, the lowest since his rookie season, in a newfound role off the bench.

But now, KJ3 is back! Time to get that Kentucky mojo back.