Jersey numbers on professional athletes are one of those things the mind gets used to. When one changes, it feels like something is a little off.
Memphis Grizzlies’ fans will have to get used to that with Jaren Jackson Jr., who will be mixing it up for the 2025-26 season.
Jackson has worn the No. 13 his entire NBA career.
Now, Jackson will be No. 8.
It’s a number that Jackson’s father wore for part of his NBA career, he explained to NBC News’ Rohan Nadkarni.
“It’s super personal to me. It’s super personal to my family,” Jackson said. “I’m connected with 8 in a real way. It reaches into the territory of new beginnings. It’s infinite. It’s just a good place to draw energy from.”
It’ll be a new-look Grizzlies team this season in general.
Desmond Bane was traded away to the Magic.
That move did allow Memphis to give Jackson a huge contract, a five-year and $240 million deal.
“You’re going to get closer to your prime, and things are going to change for you,” Jackson told NBC News. “I feel like this is a good starting point for a whole new journey of stuff. I’m approaching this year with that spearheaded, disciplined mindset of trying to get us to the promised land.”
This past season, Jackson averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. He was an All Star for the second time.
This will be Jackson’s eighth NBA season, and for the first time, he’ll have a single digit on his back. Where he goes from here is up to him.
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