“Whoever’s in the locker room is in your foxhole, and that’s where you’re going to war with,” he said. “What are your habits? What are your techniques? Are you willing to share? Are you willing to talk? Who are the leaders? It’s simple, but it’s not easy.”
Looking for a “fresh start” as he enters his eighth NBA season, Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr. announced recently that he’s changing his uniform number, writes Rohan Nadkarni of NBC News. Jackson will give up his familiar number 13, which he has worn since his rookie season of 2018/19, in favor of number 8, which his father wore for part of his NBA career.
“It’s super personal to me. It’s super personal to my family,” Jackson said of the switch. “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.”
Jackson’s new number won’t be the only change as Memphis tries to rebound after being swept out of the playoffs by Oklahoma City. New head coach Tuomas Iisalo will lead the team into training camp after replacing Taylor Jenkins late last season, and the Grizzlies will have to adjust to the loss of Desmond Bane, Jackson’s teammate for the past five seasons, who was traded to Orlando in June.
“I wasn’t too much surprised,” Jackson said of the Bane deal. “I mean, when your brothers leave, you are still going to hurt, just because you’re a human being. But at the end of the day, it’s a business. And we’re grown.”
Some of the savings from unloading Bane were used to renegotiate and extend Jackson’s contract, giving him a five-year, $240MM deal that solidifies his status as one of the cornerstones of the franchise. With Bane gone, Jackson has taken on more of a leadership role to ensure the team’s younger players aren’t shaken by the personnel moves happening around them.
“You’re going to get closer to your prime, and things are going to change for you,” he said. “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.”
Jackson is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 74 games while shooting 48.8% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range. He became an All-Star for the second time and was a second-team All-Defensive selection.
The Grizzlies may need even more production from him this season to contend in a tough Western Conference, and Jackson believes he’s ready to provide it while setting a strong example for his teammates.
Changing your name may be more effective.
Is it superstition to change the number to 8 for him?he received a big contract recently and seems odd to change numbers half way through his career. You would think he would want to be his own man with a separate number from his dad. But then again, if it boost his confidence and excels his performance this year, this won’t even be remembered.
Just seems farfetched being his dad’s number when he only wore it one season. Unless there is some underlying circumstance that has value. I wish him luck next season as the new leader of Memphis. As a Houston Rockets fan, the west is tough and will be a battle all year for everyone. A lot of solid match ups because I think the west goes 10 teams deep. 5 teams are a lock to make it. The other 5 will battle for remaining 3 spots in the playoffs. Should be an exciting year.
“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.”
Jackson went on to discuss all the symbolism associated with his new game-day threads.
“The new jersey number is a reminder to myself that every 8 minutes I must commit a foul, as I have throughout my career.
“If I forget who I am – if ever I check back into a game in the 2nd quarter with no fouls – I’ll look down at my jersey and know it’s time to bite on a pump fake. It’s time to make a cross-body contest at the 3-pt line. It’s time to jump horizontally in the lane. It’s time to be me.”
Best comment of the month, sir.
LOL
I think he is one of top 4s in the game. A 2way player who can play the 5. He’s a solid piece to build around. Only that career 5.5 rebs a game. Has to be much better. For a top defensive player in the L. I can’t believe he doesn’t avg 8 a gm or more.
Imo Memphis is a great place for Kuminga. He can start at the 3 for next 10 yrs. They really should be looking at him.
I thought when you changed numbers mid career there was a financial cost you had to pay to cover stock retailers had of your old number….. or did I just make that up in my head? But it could be negated if you signal the change a year in advance. Yes/No?
You are correct. Gotta do it prior to league-year start. Past a certain date incurs a cost to the player.