NBA: Ranking all 30 starting power forwards for 2018-19

23. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies

Marvin Bagley III was drafted two picks ahead of Jaren Jackson Jr., and Kevin Knox was the best of the trio in Summer League, so why is the Memphis Grizzlies‘ new rookie significantly ahead of both in these rankings? Well, it’s all about the intriguing mix of fit, opportunity and superior supporting talent he’ll enjoy in Memphis.

JaMychal Green may wind up being the starting power forward at the beginning of the season. He’s more experienced, the Grizzlies may want to play JJJ as a backup 5 and don’t forget, this team wants to compete with Marc Gasol and Mike Conley healthy again. However, as the season wears on and injuries (likely) pile up, the No. 4 overall pick in the draft will get plenty of opportunities.

More than likely, he’ll earn the majority of the starts as a terrific complement to Gasol, either because he outplays Green (a guy who only has one year left on his contract and isn’t part of the long-term picture) or because the Grizzlies start losing too many games and it makes more sense to let the future cornerstones develop. Oh and yeah, Jackson is also just a really good two-way player who might have NBA 3-point range from day one.