Memphis Grizzlies: 5 reasons Jaren Jackson Jr. was a bad pick

2. Jackson couldn’t consistently stay on the court

Izzo might be something of an old school coach, but it’s not like he has a problem with playing freshmen — especially if they’re five-star recruits who are 6’11” with NBA genes and the ability to knock down 3s on one end and block shots on the other.

So why did Jackson see just 21 minutes of action per game? For the most part, it was foul trouble.

Jackson averaged 3.2 fouls per game, which, given his playing time, translates to over six fouls per 40 minutes. In that Stony Brook game where he failed to score, a big factor was that he fouled out in just 14 minutes. He also fouled out in just 18 minutes against Houston Baptist, and racked up five fouls in 15 minutes against Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament. In the 10 other games in which Jackson played fewer than 20 minutes apiece, he had three or more fouls each time.

One could argue that Jackson was hurt by his eagerness to block shots — he was voted Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year after leading the conference with 106 total blocks — and see some good in that.

But is it reasonable to assume Jackson will get better at avoiding whistles on the NBA level, where he’ll be guarding stronger and more savvy players while getting the rookie treatment from refs? The easiest way to earn a seat on the Grizzlies’ bench is to pick up two quick fouls, something Jackson struggled with at Michigan State. If he’s not playing, he’s not developing.