Domas changes his jersey number with the Kings to honor father Arvydas

Domas changes his jersey number in honor of his father Arvydas, originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

While Kings general manager Monte McNair and Co. prepare for personnel changes this summer, Domantas Sabonis is making his own personal change for the 2024-25 NBA season.

The Sabonis family legacy will continue next season in Sacramento, as Domantas announced he will move from No. 10 to No. 11 to honor his Hall of Fame father, Arvydas Sabonis.

The number 11 was retired by Hall of Fame player Bob Davies, who played for the Rochester Royals from 1948 to 1955. Davies and Bobby Wanzer formed one of the best backcourt duos in the NBA's early years and led the Royals to the 1951 NBA championship.

From Rochester to Cincinnati and Kansas City to Sacramento, where the Kings continued the honor of Davies' jersey retirement six decades later.

But the team announced Friday that Davies' children have given their blessing for Domantas to wear their father's discontinued No. 11 jersey.

“My siblings and I are so proud of our father and everything he accomplished during his legendary NBA career,” said Bob Davies' daughter Camy Davies Keck. “He had a huge influence on our family and many young, aspiring athletes. He was definitely a man of real character.”

“Given the Sabonis family's special connection to No. 11, we felt it was appropriate to share our father's number with Domantas and wish him much success. We are grateful to the Kings organization and fans for their continued support.”

Domantas is grateful to the Davies for allowing him to share No. 11 with him and his family.

“The number 11 holds a special place in my life and in the life of my family. I have worn it throughout my career in honor of my father,” said Domantas. “I am incredibly grateful to the Davies family for sharing the number 11 with me and I look forward to carrying on the legacy of all those who have worn it before me.”

“Bob Davies is a franchise legend and we are deeply grateful to his family for their partnership,” said Monte McNair, general manager of the Sacramento Kings. “This is an exciting new chapter for Domas and his family and we look forward to seeing No. 11 on the court next season.”

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Arvydas was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1986 after a successful career in Europe. In seven NBA seasons, he averaged 12 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. His outstanding passing and playmaking skills changed the game for centers around the world. Arvydas was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011.

And just like his father, Domantas' playmaking skills and selflessness helped lead Sacramento into a new league in the NBA after the team and its passionate fan base missed the playoffs for 16 seasons.

In two full seasons with Sacramento, Domantas averaged 19.3 points on 60.4 percent shooting, with 13 rebounds and 7.7 assists in 161 games.

It will be a new but familiar beginning for Domantas' NBA career. And after missing the playoffs in 2023-24, the Kings – just like the Sabonis family – are looking forward to new changes next season.