Memphis Grizzlies: 3 players facing the most pressure in 2019-20
By Amaar Burton
2. Jaren Jackson Jr.
Similar to his one-and-done year at Michigan State, Jaren Jackson’s rookie campaign in the pros featured some emphatic reminders that his potential is vast, but also a few moments that made it worth questioning if he’s really as good as advertised.
Jackson averaged 13.8 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game last season, shooting 50.6 percent from the field and 35.9 percent from 3-point range.
His highlights included a 36-point effort in a win over the Brooklyn Nets; 27 points and four steals in a win over the Sacramento Kings; and 27 points and nine rebounds against the Los Angeles Lakers.
That was good enough to earn Jackson an All-Rookie First Team nod.
There were also plenty of single-digit scoring nights; there were games in which the 6’11” prospect pulled down only one or two rebounds despite playing starter’s minutes; and there were times when he simply disappeared and didn’t stand out on the court.
The pressure is on Jackson to do better and be more consistent in Year 2, continue developing his skills and his body, and show why the Memphis Grizzlies believe he’s a big part of their future.