NBA: Top 10 candidates for 2018-19 Rookie of the Year award

(Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images /

6. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies

If the Memphis Grizzlies are smart, and if Jaren Jackson Jr. is as NBA-ready as he appears, it would make far more sense for head coach J.B. Bickerstaff to start the rookie alongside Marc Gasol, rather than a good but not great JaMychal Green who’s on an expiring contract.

Green is the more established player, but it doesn’t feel like he has a long-term future down on Beale Street, especially after drafting Jackson. JJJ’s future is at the 5, but he’s also defensively sound enough to play the 4 next to Big Spain, with a respectable enough jump shot to spread the floor on the other end as well.

Jackson impressed in Summer League, earning Second Team honors behind 11.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and whopping 3.8 blocks per game. He didn’t shoot the ball well overall, but his 29-point, eight 3-pointer performance proved he has the skill-set to be something special. If he establishes himself as a dependable two-way fit in the starting lineup, he very well could join the ROY race no matter how good (or bad) the Grizzlies are this year.