Memphis Grizzlies: You Remind Me featuring Jaren Jackson Jr.
Memphis Grizzlies rookie Jaren Jackson Jr. is a unique player, but have we seen someone like him before? He certainly has the looks of a former NBA great.
Jaren Jackson Jr.’s incredible showing at Michigan State allowed him to be selected fourth overall in the 2018 NBA Draft to the Memphis Grizzlies. At Michigan State, Jackson Jr. averaged 10.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks in 21.8 minutes per game.
One of the knocks on him was that he was too foul-prone, as he would be sitting in crucial moments of a game because of his willingness to challenge shots should the opponent meet him at the rim. NBA experts projected him to be a solid modern NBA center that could stretch the floor as well as protect the rim when called upon.
The question is, have we seen this type of player before? The player that Jaren Jackson Jr. reminds me of is none other than former Indiana Pacers star Jermaine O’Neal. In his day, O’Neal led a talented Indiana Pacers team to quite a few playoff runs. O’Neal was a monster on the block and could also stretch the floor.
Jackson has all the tools to be successful in this league and he’s given the world a taste of what he can do in NBA Summer League. He is very gifted athletically and has such impressive quickness for a 6’11” big man weighing in at 235 pounds.
Jackson has a very versatile offensive game, as he is capable of facing up or playing with his back to the basket. Like O’Neal, JJJ is a player with physical tools that allow him to be a force on the block. Defensively, Jackson Jr. has a 7’5″ wingspan that allows him to alter shots at an alarming rate.
Averaging 3.0 blocks in college is certainly not a normal feat that everyone can do. Jermaine O’Neal averaged at least 2.0 blocks per game for 11 straight seasons. If Jackson can maintain his defensive effort, he certainly has many Defensive Player of the Year awards in his future.
Jaren Jackson Jr. will most likely start alongside Marc Gasol in the frontcourt, so the Grizzlies can run a five-out offense should they see fit. In three games of Summer League play in Utah, Jackson shot 42 percent from the field.
Offensively, he will be the Grizzlies’ pick-and-pop option, as his ability to stretch the floor will not go unnoticed. He also has the ability to set strong screens that will set up his teammates to either drive and score, or give them the space to pull up and shoot a jumper.
Overall, Jaren Jackson Jr. will be a solid NBA player for years to come. His skill-set allows him to fit in today’s modern NBA and he will give the Grizzlies something they haven’t had in a while. Marc Gasol is the best mentor any rookie could ask for, as he has been the the league for 15 seasons and has been a good player for years.
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The Grizzlies don’t necessarily need Jaren Jackson Jr. to be ready early, but after watching him play it will be hard to keep him out of the rotation. Look for Jaren Jackson Jr. to show how good he is early on in the 2018-19 season.