2025-26 could be an important year for the Memphis Grizzlies and their acclaimed big man Jaren Jackson Jr.
The team will try to earn a stable spot toward the top of the Western Conference, and Jackson will attempt to remind everyone why he was Defensive Player of the Year a few seasons ago.
Jackson will look slightly different on the court this season because he will have a new jersey number.
He is switching from No. 13 to No. 8 and spoke about why.
“It’s super personal to my family… 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 said, via NBA Retweet.
Jaren Jackson Jr. on his decision to switch his jersey number from 13 to 8:
“It's super personal to my family… 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”
via @RohanNadkarni pic.twitter.com/siWeezqF3W
— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) August 13, 2025
Jackson has been No. 13 for his entire career, and he isn’t giving a definitive reason why he’s making the change, but it obviously means a lot to him.
Having a personal investment in the season will be great for Jackson, and it could make him more devoted and play even better.
It’s not that he was playing poorly before.
Last season, Jackson produced 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks and earned an All-Star spot for the second time in his career.
The offseason has been substantial for Memphis, and they traded away Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic.
That might create trouble for the team, but it helped pave the way for a big contract for Jackson.
He is now signed to a five-year, $240 million deal with the Grizzlies and is clearly a central part of their future plans.
Jackson is committed to his team, and this jersey change shows just how much he has invested.
NEXT: Grizzlies Sign Intriguing Wing Prospect