Grizzlies Rookie Chooses No. 35: Durant Made Me Not Want to Be Only a Post-Up Big Man

Grizzlies No. 21 pick Kareem Lopez recently spoke with Spain's AS newspaper and explained why he chose the No. 35 jersey — he is a big fan of Durant.

There were not many numbers left, but No. 35 has special meaning

Lopez said there were not many available numbers at the time, but he personally really liked Durant. As a tall player with an impressive wingspan, he admires that Durant is seven feet tall while still possessing outstanding shooting and ball-handling ability.

"He made me no longer limited to being a traditional interior player"

Lopez emphasized that he was not saying he could match Durant, but Durant has deeply inspired and influenced him. He no longer wants to be limited to becoming a traditional post-up big man and is working toward developing into a more versatile player.

Durant wore the No. 35 jersey with the Thunder, Warriors, and Suns. He chose No. 35 to honor his mentor coach Charles Craig, who was killed at the age of 35. The University of Texas and the Warriors have both announced that they will retire his No. 35 jersey.