Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young was one of many NBA players to pay tribute to Kobe Bryant after news of the former Laker’s death, but Young did it in a fairly unique way.
The Hawks and Washington Wizards combined to take 24- and 8-second violations at the start of Sunday’s games in honor of the two numbers Bryant wore during his Lakers career. Young, meanwhile, took the court wearing Bryant’s No. 8 instead of his usual 11.
Young changed back to his usual number after the violations were committed and the tribute ended, but it was a pretty clear message and a nice tribute.
Young grew up watching Bryant. Other players who were personally close with the ex-Laker couldn’t even bring themselves to play Sunday. NBA players are working through their grief and paying tribute in many different ways, but Young’s certainly stands out.
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