Memphis Grizzlies: 2018-19 NBA season preview
By Luke Swiatek
Storyline 3: How good can Jaren Jackson Jr. be?
Conley and Gasol are the past and present of the Memphis Grizzlies. Jaren Jackson Jr. needs to prove that he can be part of the present, and eventually the future too.
Players with Jackson’s skill set have a high floor. He is a dependable player that shoots well and defends well. The fact that he can do those things as a big man instead of a wing makes him even more special. Worst-case scenario for Jackson is that he just ends up being a role player, albeit one who fits well next to Conley and Gasol.
Jackson just turned 19 years old, yet despite being one of the youngest players in the draft, he already seems to be one of the most polished. However, it’s his ceiling that’s really interesting to watch for, and that’s what the Grizzlies should be trying to assess.
He could eventually simultaneously be capable of protecting the rim, guarding the perimeter, posting up mismatches, creating off the dribble, and hitting threes. There’s not a player in the league with Jackson’s size that can do all of those things at a high level.
No matter how Jackson develops, it’s clear that he’ll be a very versatile player who can do a lot of things well. The question is, will he be capable of doing a lot of things great?