22. Memphis’ latest pick-and-roll duo
After Jaren Jackson Jr.’s All-Rookie First Team performance, things only got better for the Memphis Grizzlies in the offseason. Despite possessing the eighth-best odds, the Grizzlies jumped up to No. 2 in the 2019 draft, gifting them their point guard of the future in Ja Morant to go alongside Jackson.
Morant is a dynamic offensive threat, with Russell Westbrook-like athleticism to go with tremendous point guard instincts. The lows are sure to be just that for the 6’3”, 175-pound floor general learning the ropes, but the former consensus All-American will dazzle at times with the ball in his hands.
There won’t be any overlap between these two young studs, one a primary playmaker and the other a do-everything big man. They’ll simply pick-and-roll teams to death with prowess both inside and out and be quite effective doing so.
More Ja Morant on him talking about playing with Jaren Jackson Jr. who makes Morant "look good." pic.twitter.com/nBsEJQZazi
— Darian. (@Darian_Spts) October 1, 2019
The Grizzlies seemed to be floating around in no man’s land for the last few years, unwilling to officially part with those who fostered the greatest era in the franchise’s short history. Without Marc Gasol or Mike Conley for the first time since 2006-07, Memphis is granted a fresh start with two top-five selections.
For the first time possibly ever, the Grizzlies are an exciting up-and-coming squad that could garner national media attention with time. In their first season together, expect to see Morant and Jackson lay the foundation for something special in Memphis.