Bazemore explains why he chose jersey No. 26 in Warriors return

Kent Bazemore wore jersey No. 20 when he first joined the Warriors back in 2012.

For his second go-around with the franchise, the 31-year-old will rock No. 26.

"It's close to No. 24 -- same neighborhood," Bazemore told the media Thursday afternoon. "Just kind of a new chapter. I wore No. 24 since seventh grade, and had it periodically during the NBA.

"But it was time to let go of that player. I'm a father, I'm a husband. No. 26 is a new guy. I see the world differently now, and I see the game a lot differently.

"It's still in the same neighborhood -- right around the corner. But totally different meaning. Fresh outlook on life."

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Bazemore can't wear No. 24 with the Warriors even if he wanted to, because the franchise retired Rick Barry's No. 24 back in 1988. That's a pretty important variable.

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The 6-foot-4 lefty wore No. 24 with the Atlanta Hawks and Portland Trail Blazers, and switched to No. 26 when he was traded to the Sacramento Kings last season.

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