After wearing 33 for the entire duration of his NBA career, Myles Turner would have to pick a different number once he signed with the Milwaukee Bucks. The digit he's landed on is No. 3, last worn by the recently re-signed Kevin Porter Jr., who has given up the number for his new teammate, a gesture to welcome aboard the big man after signing with the team a short while ago.
Kevin Porter Jr. already gets an assist for helping Myles Turner
Now, to be clear, Porter likely didn't do this solely out of the kindness of his heart. Some of the best stories in sports involve what players are willing to do when a player gives them their number. Most of the time, it's simply money. However, sometimes it's more. For instance, when Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Joe Kelly gifted No. 17 to Shohei Ohtani upon his arrival, Ohtani gave Kelly's wife a Porsche.
There's no telling what it took for Turner to pry that number away from Kevin Porter Jr., but perhaps it will be revealed in time. Who knows, maybe he did flat-out give it up.
Obviously, Turner couldn't wear 33 upon arriving in Milwaukee, as it's retired. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is immortalized in the rafters forever. Some thought maybe he would rock 52, the number he wore in his one collegiate season at Texas, or 35, which he wore as a McDonald's All-American. Instead, he'll take a single-digit number.
The question now is what number Porter will switch to this coming season. He's also worn No. 4 as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, but that number is retired in Milwaukee. The likeliest option feels like 77, which he wore during his brief stint as a Clipper before being traded to the Bucks. AJ Johnson briefly donned the number before he got traded last season, so it's there for the taking.
It wouldn't be surprising if No. 7 was also on the table after Chris Livingston recently got waived by the Milwaukee Bucks.
It's great to see that these two are already building some chemistry before they even set foot on the basketball court as teammates. As the roster currently stands, they will both likely be starters, so the pair will need to get familiar with one another.
Off topic, but Turner taking No. 3 likely eliminates Milwaukee from signing Chris Paul, a player they have reportedly spoken to, who has made it clear that it's the only one he will wear where he plays.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.