A new beginning for Jaren Jackson Jr. and the Memphis Grizzlies
When Jaren Jackson Jr. takes the court for the Memphis Grizzlies this season, the first thing fans will notice is what’s missing: the No. 13 that defined his first seven years in the league. In its place will be No. 8 — a number steeped in personal history, symbolism, and a vision for the Grizzlies’ future.
A Number with Deep Roots in the Jackson Family
This isn’t just a random rebrand. Jackson Jr.’s choice has a direct lineage — his father, Jaren Jackson Sr., wore the same number during his 1992-93 stint with the Los Angeles Clippers.
For Jackson Jr., this change isn’t a gimmick.
“It’s super personal to me. It’s super personal to my family,” he told usmedianewz News. “I’m connected with 8 in a real way. It’s about new beginnings. It’s infinite. It’s just a good place to draw energy from.”
The decision came to him mid-workout, pedaling on an exercise bike — the place he claims sparks his best ideas. Days later, the announcement went public: his eighth season would be the beginning of a new chapter, not just for him, but for the entire Grizzlies franchise.
A Franchise in Transition
Memphis isn’t just changing numbers — it’s changing direction.
The offseason saw the Grizzlies make a seismic move: trading shooting guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and four future first-round picks. This trade dismantled the once-promising core of Ja Morant, Bane, and Jackson — a trio many believed could lead Memphis to title contention.
While some fans saw the move as a step backward, the organization made its stance clear: Jackson Jr. is central to their future. In July, he signed a five-year, $240 million extension, cementing him as a franchise cornerstone.
Leadership in the Face of Change
Bane’s departure wasn’t a shock to Jackson — but it still stung.
“When your brothers leave, you’re going to hurt,” he admitted. “But at the end of the day, it’s a business. We’re grown.”
Rather than dwell on the loss, Jackson has embraced a bigger leadership role, determined to mentor the younger players and prepare them for the reality of an NBA career.
The Journey So Far: Peaks and Setbacks
Jackson’s career with the Grizzlies mirrors the team’s own turbulent arc:
- 2021: Memphis beats Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors in the play-in tournament, making the playoffs as an unexpected eighth seed.
- 2022: A six-game battle with the Warriors in the second round, cut short when Morant went down with injury.
- 2023: Injuries derail the season, ending in a first-round exit.
- 2024: Morant’s 25-game suspension contributes to Memphis missing the playoffs entirely.
- 2025: Swept in the first round by the eventual champion Oklahoma City Thunder — a team following the very path Memphis once blazed.
Focused on the Future, Not the Past
For Jackson, the goal isn’t to “get back” to where Memphis once was.
“It’s just putting one foot in front of the other and getting better every day, because that’s how we got there in the first place.”
This summer, despite recovering from turf toe surgery, Jackson is targeting two key improvements:
- Playmaking: Preparing to handle double teams and become a more effective facilitator.
- Endurance: Building the stamina to carry a heavier offensive load without sacrificing his elite defense.
Blocking Out the Noise
The scrutiny of being a franchise player is nothing new — but Jackson refuses to let it define him. Even when ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins labeled him the “most overhyped” player in the NBA, he brushed it aside, focusing instead on the locker room dynamic.
“Whoever’s in the locker room is in your foxhole,” Jackson 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.”
The No. 8 Era Begins
For the Grizzlies, this season is about more than rebounding from playoff disappointment — it’s about redefining their identity.
For Jackson Jr., it’s about more than changing a jersey number — it’s about stepping fully into his role as the heartbeat of Memphis basketball.
And as the No. 8 era begins, one thing is certain: the Grizzlies’ future will rise or fall with Jaren Jackson Jr.’s ability to lead, inspire, and transform the team’s vision into reality.
