Behind the Numbers: Earl Watson
Earl Watson: #25
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THE PLAYERS
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 Behind The Numbers Gilbert Arenas 0, Wizards Marcus Banks 3, Timberwolves Mike Bibby 10, Kings Andrew Bogut 6, Bucks Kobe Bryant 8, Lakers Jarron Collins 31, Jazz Tony Delk 00, Pistons Melvin Ely 2, BobcatsPau Gasol 16, Grizzlies Manu Ginobli 20, Spurs Drew Gooden 90, Cavaliers Grant Hill 33, Magic Royal Ivey 36, Hawks Linton Johnson 43, Hornets Dikembe Mutombo 55, Rockets Eric Piatkowski 52, Bulls Paul Pierce 34, Celtics Shavlik Randolph 42, SixersEarl Watson 25, Sonics | |
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Earl Watson is wearing #25 in the Green and Gold for the second time.
A member of the Sonics as a rookie in 2001-02, Watson returned to Seattle in a four-team trade last month. Watson has worn the number 25 since long before joining the Sonics, and his preference dates back to a childhood hero.
"I grew up in Kansas, in Kansas City," says Watson. Danny Manning won the tournament his senior year [with Kansas in 1987-88]. I worked at his summer league every summer at the scorer's table, running the shot clock, and he was always really nice to me. I was a big fan anyway, but because of his personality, I became an even bigger fan."
More than a decade later, Watson joined Manning in the NBA and had a chance to meet him again.
"My first year, I think he played in Phoenix," Watson says. "I talked to him then, and he remembered me."
Watson wore 25 after signing with the Memphis Grizzlies, but switched it up to #8 after joining the Denver Nuggets last summer.
"Something different," he explains. "I just wanted to do something different. I think change is always good, but when I came to Seattle, I wanted to go back to 25."
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