Apr 16, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) reacts after the Kings made a basket against the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter during a play-in game of the 2024 NBA playoffs at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Domantas Sabonis Honors Father With Jersey Number Change

Originally posted on Sacramento Kings on SI | Last updated Jun 14, 2024 3:17 PM ET

After having one of the best statistical seasons in Sacramento Kings history, star big man Domantas Sabonis will change his jersey number to 11. Sabonis and the Kings released a statement on the importance of number 11 to the Sabonis family and the Kings' organization.

Domantas Sabonis is switching to No. 11 for the 2024-25 season per Kings. Sabonis received permission from the children of Bob Davies to use his retired number. pic.twitter.com/4cuRuuMaV2
— James Ham (@James_HamNBA) June 14, 2024

The number 11 has been retired in the Kings' franchise to honor the late Bob Davies, a Hall of Famer who played seven seasons with the Rochester Royals from 1948 to 1955. Davies' children blessed Sabonis to wear the number 11 going forward, as the honored number also holds a special place with Sabonis' family.

Domantas' father, Arvydas Sabonis, wore the number 11 and the Sacramento big man has attempted to wear it throughout his career in honor of his dad. Sabonis wore the number in his four-and-a-half seasons with the Indiana Pacers but has worn number ten since being traded to Sacramento.

After breaking the NBA record for most consecutive double-doubles and leading the league in rebounds in back-to-back seasons, Sabonis continues to cement himself as one of the best big men in Kings history. Davies' children giving Sabonis their blessing to take on the retired number is certainly an honor.

The jersey number change will go into effect for the upcoming 2024-25 season.

This article first appeared on Sacramento Kings on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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