How Jaren Jackson Jr. helped ease Bismack Biyombo's transition to the Memphis Grizzlies
Bismack Biyombo didn’t have much time to get ready.
Hours after the Memphis Grizzlies were defeated by the Utah Jazz in their fifth game of the season, the team took advantage of an extra roster spot gained and signed the free agent center. Four days later, Biyombo was in the starting lineup playing 26 minutes in the Grizzlies’ first win of the season.
Sure, Biyombo is a 13-year NBA veteran who has learned to be prepared for an opportunity, but his familiarity with the Grizzlies helped ease the transition. In particular, Biyombo already had a relationship with forward Jaren Jackson Jr.
The duo is now tasked with protecting the paint for the Grizzlies, but Biyombo and Jackson working in tandem to protect players is nothing new.
Both are members of the National Basketball Players Association and serve as two of the organization’s seven vice presidents. Memphis is the only team in the NBA with two players serving in the union.
“It’s more just fun having him here,” Jackson said of Biyombo. “Someone who knows what type of other work I’m apart of outside of this.
“We got work all the time, so I’m going to see him all the time. We probably got a meeting in a little bit for whatever.”
Biyombo has been a vice president of the player’s union since 2019, which ties him with Jaylen Brown and Malcolm Brogdon as the second-longest tenured behind former Grizzlies wing Garrett Temple.
Jackson became a member in February 2023 just in time for the new labor negotiations. He’s the youngest player in the union executive committee.
“Jaren is obviously a star in his own right on the court but very bright in terms of his knowledge and understanding of sports, life and business,” union president CJ McCollum said.
The NBPA executive committee consists of nine members, which includes a president, secretary treasurer and seven vice presidents. Presidents and security treasurers serve four-year terms, while the vice presidents get three.
Each NBA team selects a player to represent on the NBPA’s Board of Player Representatives. Jackson has served in that role in previous seasons for the Grizzlies.
Members of the Board of Player Representatives are then tasked with electing and choosing the executive committee. Jackson was one of three newly elected members in February.
“He has a reputation that’s unique in the league,” Biyombo said. “He carries himself in a unique way, and that’s what makes him special on top of being a great player. . . There’s a reason why players trust him in that role as vice president. They must respect you and they must believe in you.”
A big priority this offseason for the Grizzlies was adding veterans who can make an impact. When Memphis traded for Marcus Smart, he pledged to hold his teammates accountable by being honest and demanding their best.
SMART JOINS GRIZZLIES: What Marcus Smart said about joining the Memphis Grizzlies, Ja Morant and playing defense
Memphis also acquired veteran and former MVP Derrick Rose, whose locker sits right next to suspended star Ja Morant, and surely that’s no coincidence.
Biyombo was the latest veteran player added to one of the league’s youngest cores. He’s not having much trouble blending in.
“He can fit in any locker room,” Jackson said. “He’s a great leader. That’s why he’s doing what he does for his country and does what he does for the Union. I know how much he cares about the league. That care carries over to the locker room.”
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: How Jaren Jackson Jr. eased Bismack Biyombo's transition to Grizzlies
