Memphis Grizzlies are building: 3 takeaways from opening week

2. Jaren Jackson Jr. is a very promising, but typical, 20-year-old

As one of the youngest players in the league, Jaren Jackson Jr. made a tremendous impression during his rookie campaign. Jackson shot 35.9 percent from 3 and recorded a 59.1 True Shooting Percentage- – outstanding marks for a rookie of any size, but exceptional for a rookie big man.

His rebound percentage was fairly low at 10.1 percent, as might be expected for a player of his age with a frame as thin as his. Jackson’s talent and raw athleticism, however, were beyond any doubt.

The defensive end was Jackson’s calling card as a rookie, where he ranked in the 92nd percentile of the league in the Shooting Defense portion of the Matchup-Based Defense model.

We have seen more of the same this season, with Bulls phenom Lauri Markkanen scoring four points on 2-of-9 shooting in 18.9 possessions on which he was defended by Jackson for at least part of the possession.

Jackson’s biggest growth area, which has reared its head already early in this season, is foul trouble. Though fouling too frequently is a problem for most young big men, it is an area which Jackson must work to correct.

When he is not in foul trouble and he stays on the floor, Memphis becomes a different team: Jackson bullies small-ball 4s in the post as he did against Chicago and even flashes some decent feel reading the defense when he catches the ball on a short roll and the defender in the weak side corner helps toward the basket.

In order to stay on the floor and continue his development, Jackson has to limit his fouls.