In the NBA, there is a certain sense of respect that the franchises levy upon their greatest players. Given the volatile environment in the league, players who stay loyal to a franchise and render phenomenal services deserve to receive recognition. However, a $1,800,000,000 worth NBA franchise recently deprived its legend such an honor after their star player, Buddy Hield decided to ditch Kobe Bryant.

Buddy Hield made a shocking announcement that has not sat well with fans. For years, the 30-year-old donned the “24” jersey number in honor of the Los Angeles Lakers legend, Kobe Bryant. However, Hield recently decided to switch this number, much to the fans’ surprise. But the number that he chose came as a bigger shock, given the history behind it. Now, the franchise’s own legend has slammed them for their actions.

NBA franchise gets slammed by its own legend for an update on Buddy Hield

Buddy Hield made a major move ditching Kobe Bryant to establish his own legacy. The Indiana Pacers guard recently announced that he will switch the iconic “24” jersey number to “7”, the number he wears for his national side. However, his decision came as a shock to the NBA world, given its connections to Pacers legend Jermaine O’Neal.

O’Neal had an extraordinary stint with the franchise, playing a pivotal role on their roster in the early 2000s. However, by allowing Buddy Hield to done the number 7 now, the Pacers have deprived O’Neal the greatest honor a player can receive from a franchise, having his jersey retired. The 44-year-old expressed his displeasure with this decision taking to the comments section of the Pacers’ Instagram post announcing Hield’s shift.

“I love Buddy and the work that he puts in. My statement has nothing to do with him,” clarified O’Neal before expressing his discontent with the Pacers franchise. “It is disappointing to watch teams every year recognize and celebrate the players who have been the franchise’s very best players on and off the court but yet the Pacers don’t. It’s been confusing and disappointing to say the least!” wrote the 6-time All-Star, critically slamming the $1,800,000,000 rich franchise.

Read More: “There’s Only One 7 for Me”: Years After Honoring Kobe Bryant in Sacramento, Pacers’ $94,000,000 Worth Star’s Decision Has Fans Reminiscing About Franchise Legend

O’Neal criticized the team for allowing Hield to wear the number he mythologized. The Pacers’ No.7 had some glorious memories attached to it with O’Neal as the owner. However, Hield’s decision has now taken away an honor from O’Neal that Kobe Bryant received twice.

O’Neal is deprived an honor the Black Mamba received twice

Kobe Bryant has certainly inspired an entire generation. Given his unparalleled greatness, Buddy Hield decided to honor the former Lakers guard by donning her jersey number throughout his career until now. The Lakers too recognised his legacy by retiring his jersey but not just once.

Before the Black Mamba donned the iconic 24 number, he suited up in the “8” number for the Lakers. The franchise honored his greatness by hanging both these jerseys up on their rafters. However, Jermaine O’Neal will not receive this honor even once following the Pacers’ bold decision.

Watch This Story: 5 Months After Showing Warriors Star Love, Magic Johnson Gets Walked Over by Stephen Curry’s Teammate for One Reason

O’Neal did not seem pleased with the Pacers’ actions. While allowing their star guard to grace the iconic 7 number, they have disrespected their legend in an unceremonious fashion. However with this change, Hield can now establish his own legacy while also taking pride in his nation.