Domantas Sabonis has officially donned the No. 11 jersey, a number that has a deep connection to both his own family legacy and the Sacramento Kings’ history. This number was retired long ago in honor of Kings legend Bob Davies, a key figure in the Kings’ only NBA championship run back in 1951, when they were the Rochester Royals. Known as the “Harrisburg Houdini,” Davies helped shape the early NBA, and the Kings have carried on the tradition of his retired jersey through the team’s many moves.
For Sabonis, No. 11 is also significant—his father, NBA legend Arvydas Sabonis, wore it throughout his celebrated career, which inspired Domantas to honor him by doing the same. After requesting permission from the Davies family, the Kings forward received their blessing, with Davies’ daughter Camy Davies Keck expressing pride in her father’s legacy and excitement to share it with a player of Sabonis’ caliber.
Sabonis, now an essential part of the Kings’ “Beam Team,” is already making his mark. Last season, he led the league in several major categories: rebounds per game, total rebounds (1,120), double-doubles (77), and triple-doubles (26). He averaged 19.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game, all while shooting nearly 60% from the field. With the energy from a new season and a new jersey number, Sabonis is aiming to carry Sacramento’s momentum forward.
Sabonis’ No. 11 not only honors his family’s history but also builds on the legacy of Bob Davies. By sharing this number, Sabonis and the Davies family are creating a bridge between generations of Kings fans, making the number a symbol of tradition, respect, and aspiration.
