Legends of the previous generation have left an indelible mark on the NBA. Every player in the league now has an idol that came before them. The late Kobe Bryant is one such legend who inspired an entire generation. Naturally, honoring his legacy is nothing new in the league. A $94,000,000 worth Indiana Pacers star did just that for years before joining the franchise. However, he has now made a decision that has fans reminiscing about a franchise legend.

Pacers’ blockbuster trade with the Sacramento Kings in 2022 brought two promising young talents to Indiana. One of these youngsters, years ago, decided to honor the Los Angeles Lakers legend by wearing his iconic jersey number. However, the Pacers star’s new update may not come in the franchise’s fans’ best interests.

After honoring Kobe Bryant for years, Pacers star makes a bold decision

Although Kobe Bryant’s career ended 7 years ago, the current generation still draws inspiration from the legendary shooting guard. Pacers’ Buddy Hield too is no different especially given the fact that he plays the same position as the late Black Mamba. Hence, when he joined the Sacramento Kings in 2017, Hield decided to wear the iconic jersey number “24” in honor of the Lakers legend.

“I wanted to be like him, I wanted to work like him, run like him, put the shooting sleeve on like him,” Hield said in 2020, talking about his decision to done the “24” jersey number. “I feel like it would still be great to honor him by wearing his number.”

After 5 years of representing the Kings, Hield made his way to Indiana following a shocking trade. However, after playing for the Pacers for two seasons, he has now decided to change his jersey number to “7”. This is the number he wore for his national side, Team Bahamas which may have influenced his decision. Interestingly, this number was worn previously for the Pacers by a franchise legend, Jermaine O’Neal.

READ MORE : Why Kobe Bryant Preferred the Number 24 Over Number 8?

O’Neal had a phenomenal stint with the Pacers back in the early 2000s which garnered him tremendous respect among the franchise’s fans. From 6 All-Star selections to the NBA MIP award, O’Neal enjoyed the peak of his success in Indiana. Hence, when Buddy Hield decided to change his jersey number to O’Neal’s previous number, fans immediately took notice. They took to X to reminisce about their franchise legend.

Fans reminisce about O’Neal following Hield’s decision

After years of honoring Kobe Bryant, Buddy Hield decided to establish his own legacy. In this effort, he chose to wear the number he wears for his national side for the Pacers as well. However, fans feel there can only be one “7” in the Pacers franchise, Jermaine O’Neal. They shared their thoughts on Hield’s decision by taking to X.

Fans reminisced their legend Jermaine O’Neal and his iconic jersey number

Some suggested that the Pacers should have retired the number for the 6-time All-Star

Users also shared clips of O’Neal’s brilliance back in the day

Meanwhile some wondered if Hield made this decision following his stint with Team Bahamas

However, some just showed love for the 30-year-old

Fans had their say about Hield’s decision to change his jersey number. The number may have been popularised by O’Neal in Indiana but 30-year-old Hield will now rep the iconic “7”.

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Given that he is allowed to use this number suggests that the franchise will not retire it on honor of the franchise legend. However, Hield will now have an opportunity to wear his national side’s number and establish his own legacy in the league.