Kris Murray showed some promise during his rookie year with the Portland Trail Blazers but you may not have heard much about him because his team was struggling so much.
He is hoping to have a bigger impact on the league in 2024-25 and wants to get more notice.
Now, a recent choice from Murray regarding his jersey number might bring him much more attention.
According to Etienne Catalan, per NBACentral, Murray is switching his jersey number from 8 to 24.
As you can imagine, many people online immediately noted that Murray will now have worn both of Kobe Bryant’s numbers.
Is this choice a good or bad idea for the young Blazers star?
Kris Murray is switching his number from 8 to 24, per @EtienneCatalan pic.twitter.com/LBHGKY1s2S
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 16, 2024
Surely, Murray knew that people would see the Bryant comparison and he also should have expected some backlash.
NBA fans don’t easily accept anyone who seems to be trying to follow in Bryant’s footsteps.
Even with his good rookie year, Murray has a long way to go before any Bryant comparisons are justified.
He averaged 6.1 points and 3.6 rebounds during his first year, shooting 39.6% from the field.
Like many others in Portland, Murray could continue to develop and become someone special over the next few years.
But some people think he won’t be doing that in Portland.
Because the team is in such bad shape right now, they could be shipping away some of their talent in order to bolster their roster.
Young players like Murray could be turned into trade assets, if he continues to improve.
Murray will be wearing 24 this season but will it be the last number he dons for the Blazers?
NEXT: Brian Windhorst Says Blazers Veteran Is Potential Trade Candidate
