The Thunder signed P.J. Dozier, who went undrafted out of South Carolina, to a seemingly innocuous two-way contract.
Then, they let him pick No. 35 – previously worn by Kevin Durant.
Erik Horne of The Oklahoman:
PJ Dozier says he wears No. 35 for his second cousin, the late Reggie Lewis, who played for the Celtics. Also wore it in preseason w/Dallas. pic.twitter.com/JbgIzqLKB7
— Erik Horne (@ErikkHorne) October 17, 2017
Honoring Reggie Lewis seems like a valid reason for Dozier, who probably didn’t want to get swept into what has become a minor controversy.
Personally, I don’t mind a player wearing any unretired number. Even numbers that will clearly be retired can be fair game until the jersey goes into the rafters. This is a non-issue to me.
But people care about this stuff. Many see it as a sign of disrespect to Durant, who left Oklahoma City on bad terms when signing with the Warriors. The Thunder lose deniability about not caring, considering they told Dion Waiters he couldn’t wear No. 13, which was previously worn by James Harden.
Will Oklahoma City eventually retire Durant’s No. 35? He spent a fantastic eight years there (and another season with the Seattle SuperSonics before they moved). Time will ease the bitterness of his exit. It’s certainly possible he’s honored that way.
In the meantime, let Dozier wear No. 35 in peace. It should have nothing to do with Durant.