Jaren Jackson Starting To Live Up To Lofty Draft Status

Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies, NBA
NBA Analysis Network

There were a lot of people left scratching their heads when it came to figuring out what the Memphis Grizzlies grand plan was for this NBA offseason. They were not operating as a team that was coming off of a surprise run to the playoffs that could use some upgrades to the roster. Instead, they were taking on contracts with draft compensation, much like a rebuilding team does.

One of the moves that got the biggest reaction was the rookie contract extension that they worked out with Jaren Jackson Jr. The Grizzlies and Jackson agreed to a four-year, $105 million deal.

The No. 4 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft had immense potential but he had not yet gotten close to realizing it. He had battled injuries, as he appeared in only 11 games during his third season in the league as he recovered from meniscus surgery.

There was no denying the talent that Jackson possessed, it was just a matter of whether or not he could develop it and live up to the lofty expectations that come with being the No. 4 overall pick in a draft. He has done a magnificent job quieting down those doubters thus far in the 2021-22 season.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Grizzlies Have Insane Record-Setting Night Against Thunder

Jaren Jackson Jr. has done an excellent job in recent weeks. After a slow start to the season, he is showcasing why the Memphis Grizzlies used such a high draft pick on him. He is proving to be a difference-maker on both ends of the court and his rapidly improving game will help Memphis turn into a legitimate threat in the Western Conference.

The Michigan State product had arguably his worst performance of the season on November 11th in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. He made only 1-of-8 of his shot attempts, scoring four points with three rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Since that point, he has turned it on.

Jackson is averaging 19.2 points in the nine games since, nearly reaching the 50/40/90 pinnacle that the best shooters aim to obtain. He is showing a ton of confidence on offense, as he has the ball-handling skill to dribble into post-ups as well, where he is taking full advantage of mismatches.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Grizzlies Have Insane Record-Setting Night Against Thunder

As Zach Lowe of ESPN shared, Jackson post-ups, whether he shoots or passes to a teammate who does, have produced 1.22 points. That would rank fourth last season among players with at least 50 post touches.

Jackson is also grabbing 5.6 rebounds per game over that nine-game span, in addition to racking up eight steals and 21 blocked shots. His defense is where he has made the most strides and what has to have the Grizzlies most excited.

He is versatile enough to play either power forward or center and has been thriving in either spot. Opponents are shooting only 47 percent at the rim when Jackson is near, which is an elite number. That is the fifth-lowest mark among the 87 players who challenge at least three shots per game at the rim.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Grizzlies Have Insane Record-Setting Night Against Thunder

There is a 17 point difference when Jackson is on the court compared to when he is off of it. The improvements that he has made to anchor the defense at the center position will open up a ton of opportunities for head coach Taylor Jenkins to take advantage of.

The sky’s the limit for the Memphis Grizzlies with Ja Morant ascending to superstardom and Jaren Jackson Jr. now elevating himself to possible All-Star status with how much better he is performing this season now that he is healthy and contributing on a nightly basis.

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