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Memphis Grizzlies: Can Jaren Jackson Jr. win Rookie of the Year?

By Da'Vonte Hughes

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JULY 1: Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies ties his sneakers before a team practice at Utah Summer League on July 1, 2018 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JULY 1: Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies ties his sneakers before a team practice at Utah Summer League on July 1, 2018 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Will Memphis Grizzlies Jaren Jackson Jr. win Rookie of the Year? He certainly has the skills to be a force in this league for years to come

This year’s crop of rookies looks to be about as talented as they come. Memphis Grizzlies first-round pick Jaren Jackson Jr. highlights the big men, as he was one of the two selected in the top five.

The rookie forward/center will certainly have his opportunity to prove himself as he is projected to start alongside long tenured Grizzlies center Marc Gasol.

Jackson certainly has all the tools to be a successful player in this league, as he fits the modern NBA perfectly. Drafted alongside highly touted players such as Deandre Ayton, Marvin Bagley, Luka Doncic and Trae Young, does Jackson have what it takes to win Rookie of the Year?

Jaren Jackson Jr. has the ability to put the ball on the floor and drive to the basket with ease. With this keen ability, he will able to get the upper hand on a number of opponents. He can also stroke it from deep which he showed during the summer league this year.

Jackson comes to a team that is known for grinding out wins and he will become a fan favorite soon, if he isn’t already.

One of the advantages Jackson has is that he was one of the more popular names from the draft, which means the voters will be keeping a close eye on him during the season.

With Jaren Jackson Jr. being one of the most complete players coming in the league, he won’t have much of a learning curve.

Before Jackson can be considered for the Rookie of the Year award, there is a multitude of questions he needs to answer with his play.

Can he outperform the other rookies from the draft? Can he stay out of foul trouble? Will he have the chance to showcase his abilities early? Those questions will surely be answered when the season begins.

The Memphis Grizzlies will begin the preseason against the Houston Rockets. Carmelo Anthony who recently signed with the Rockets, is projected by some to be the Houston Rockets starting power forward.

Anthony is not known for his defense, so Jackson will be able to exploit him on the offensive end.

Defensively, Carmelo Anthony will give him the business as he is a savvy offensively skilled veteran. Grizzlies fans will need to pay attention to how Jackson responds to playing against a pure offensive player because that will be telling on how he will play during the regular season.

Overall, Jaren Jackson Jr. will have a solid career based on his natural ability and team fit. Jackson can either be a stretch 4/5 or protect the rim in today’s NBA.

It remains to be seen how Deandre Ayton, Marvin Bagley, Luka Doncic, and Trae Young will survive against the NBA’s best, but Jackson will have his fair share of tests against the NBA elite.

Jaren Jackson Jr.’s team fit and opportunity will allow him to have looks early to see if he can play against the leagues best night in and night out. Every rookie will struggle early on but Jaren Jackson Jr. will break out sooner rather than later.

Next. Complete 2018 offseason grades for all 30 NBA teams. dark

Out of all the rookies in the draft, Jackson has one of the best chances to win the Rookie of the Year award.

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