Earl Watson: #25
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."Buy Earl Watson Jersey!