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Memphis Grizzlies: 3 goals for the rest of the season

By Jake Peterson

MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 27: Delon Wright #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game against the Chicago Bulls on February 27, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 27: Delon Wright #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game against the Chicago Bulls on February 27, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler /NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler /NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Ensure Jaren Jackon Jr.’s health

Mike Conley is still the face of the franchise. Chandler Parsons is the second-highest paid player on the team. Trade deadline moves brought in important players like Jonas Valanciunas and Delon Wright.

None of these players is as important to the Grizzlies’ future as Jackson. As the fourth overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, Jackson is the future of the team.

While the Grizzlies looked to feature Jackson more after Marc Gasol was traded, the rookie suffered a quad injury on Feb. 22 and was originally slated to be out indefinitely. Since then, his game status has been day-to-day. He did not play in the team’s most recent game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Even though the Grizzlies are just 2.5 games out from potentially conveying their pick (if all goes according to plan based on the reformed draft lottery odds), rushing the former Michigan State Spartan would be a huge mistake for the team. Even though Jackson is still just 19 years old, there’s no point in chasing a very short-term goal for long-term success.

The Grizzlies haven’t signed their first round pick to a second contract in a billion years and Jackson not only has the likely chance to be signed again, but to take over as the face of the franchise whenever cornerstone Mike Conley leaves.

Another incentive for an early return would be Rookie of the Year in almost any other year, but Luka Doncic has it all but wrapped up. Jackson is still a lock for First Team All-Rookie, no small feat for the big man, so rushing him back shouldn’t be a priority.

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