We found out why Dion Waiters is wearing the No. 23 for the Thunder, and it really has nothing to do with LeBron James.
According to USA Today, the Thunder actually asked Waiters to reconsider wearing James Harden’s old No. 13. As Sam Amick explained it, Thunder brass didn’t want the ghost of Harden past reappearing.
Considering Waiters’ position (shooting guard), current Thunder role (reserve scorer and playmaker) and his contractual status (this season and next on his rookie contract), the comparison to former Thunder star James Harden is unavoidable – even if Oklahoma City managed to keep him from wearing Harden’s old number. For all the young NBA players who wear No. 23 in honor of Michael Jordan, Waiters only changed to his Air-ness’ number because Nos. 1 and 3 weren’t available. And when Thunder officials implored him not to wear the No. 13 that has haunted the Thunder since Harden’s controversial departure via trade to the Houston Rockets in 2012, Waiters obliged.
“(The Thunder) didn’t want me to wear (number) 13,” Waiters said. “I guess they wanted me to have my own identity. We’re going to make 23 look good, though.”
I guess I can understand it now. Waiters wearing 13 will always draw comparison and conversation about Harden. That would ultimately lead to conversation about Waiters possibly bolting for a rich payday in two-years. Dion should just focus on being efficient at this point.