NBA Rookie of the Year power rankings, Week 7: Collin Sexton rises up

5. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies

Last week: 5th (↔)

The Memphis Grizzlies have hit a bit of a rough patch, losing the last three games on their schedule, but it hasn’t stopped big man Jaren Jackson Jr. from producing.

Jackson has put up 13.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.7 blocks and 2.0 assists per game in the past three contests. He’s shooting 60 percent and an efficient 71.4 percent (5-of-7) from 3-point range in that span.

He managed to put up double figures scoring in losses to the Los Angeles Clippers last Friday and the New York Knicks on Sunday, but against the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, he produced just four points and finished with five fouls.

Foul trouble has dampened Jackson’s impact in the rotation, so it will be something to monitor. Jackson racked up a season-high seven blocks and went a perfect 6-of-6 from the floor against the Knicks to finish with 16 points, but also had five fouls in that one as well.

He’ll need to shape up on the defensive end to strengthen the Grizzlies’ frontcourt. On the season, he’s averaging 4.0 fouls per game. As he begins to figure things out, he should become a solid anchor on the defensive end for Memphis.