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Boston Celtics: Kemba Walker facing a tough decison

By Sam Minton

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 28: Kemba Walker #8 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket against Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat during the second half at American Airlines Arena on January 28, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 28: Kemba Walker #8 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket against Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat during the second half at American Airlines Arena on January 28, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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With the passing of Kobe Bryant, many players around the NBA are changing their numbers to honor the legendary Laker. Boston Celtics point guard Kemba Walker is now facing a difficult decision.

The NBA (and the entire world) is mourning the loss of Kobe Bryant and the 8 other victims of a tragic helicopter crash. But the show must go on as we saw the Boston Celtics take on the Miami Heat on Tuesday as the NBA tries to get back to normal.

In the immediate aftermath of the news, we saw teams across the NBA take 24 and 8 second violations to honor the legend. Now players are doing even more.

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On Sunday the Dallas Mavericks announced that they would be retiring the No.24. It was a bold yet heartfelt move by Mavs owner Mark Cuban.

I definitely wouldn’t be against the NBA retiring Kobe’s numbers, but I think it is unlikely. Still, some players are taking matters into their own hands.

Spencer Dinwiddie, Terrence Ross, and Moe Harkless all changed their numbers as they were currently wearing No.8.

So now the question is will Kemba Walker do the same. After joining the Celtics, Walker switched his number from 15 to 8 since No.15 is retired by the Boston Celtics.

Kemba is mulling the decision but feels he will honor Kobe no matter what he does.

"“I’m considering [changing my jersey number], but I’m not sure yet,” Walker told reporters after the Celtics’ win over the Heat on Tuesday.“I definitely have tons of respect for Kobe,” Walker said. “But you know, everyone mourns a little bit different. You know for me, I’m thinking I would love to honor him by wearing that number. Kobe played hard each and every night and I would like to honor him by doing the same.”"

Walker makes a great point. Grief is a unique thing. Everyone grieves in different ways. For guys like Dinwiddie, they feel like it is best to switch their numbers.

But it is also okay if Walker decides to keep No.8 to honor Kobe. We have already seen a player honor Kobe by keeping his number. Alize Johnson looked up to Bryant and said he will continue to wear No.24.

dark. Next. Remembering Kobe Bryant

I think no matter what Kemba Walker does it will be the right decision. No one can criticize him for keeping or changing his number.

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