NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
Jaren Jackson Jr, entering just his 5th season in the NBA is ready to explode. But will he? The Memphis Grizzlies have cemented their organization with the likes of the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, and Los Angeles Clippers as one of the teams to watch in the Western Conference next season. While the fingers will point at Ja Morant as the main reason, there is another player in Memphis who helps guide that ship.
Last season, Jackson averaged 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks. Morant, Desmond Bane, and Dillion Brooks are the recipients of praise, but as the same with the Warriors and Draymond Green, Jackson is the key to it all. For the 2021-22 season, the Grizzlies ranked 2nd in Points, 1st in Blocks, 6th in Assists, 1st in Steals, and 1st in Rebounding. The Grizz are definitely on the come-up.
On the defense side of the ball, the team is just as dangerous and this is where the importance of Jackson really takes shape. He’s a stout defender without a doubt but there are times when Jackson oversteps his own line. A great shot blocker without a solid foundation will always find himself in foul trouble. Jackson on the season averaged 3.5 personal fouls per game.
There were often times when he had to be taken out during crucial stretches of the game where his presence was desperately needed. As the team’s best defender, he can no longer keep having these issues. Heading into the 2022-23 season, this is one area where his teammates and coaches must continue to drill into his head that he must be careful while still being aggressive.
Jaren Jackson Jr Is A Difference Maker
This is the same issue that has plagued Green and the Warriors. He’s a tremendous defensive player, but he tends to overstep his own line. If Jackson can keep this under control, not only will team success continue, but his name will begin to earn that recognition. This past season, many believed that Jaren Jackson was snubbed by voters for DPOY. His time will come.
What Jackson needs to control more than his ability to avoid foul trouble is learning to stay away from 3-point territory. In today’s games, things have changed. The Memphis Grizzlies hoist up 32.7 3-point attempts per game while hitting 11.5. Not the greatest of numbers but Jackson himself averages 5.1 of those attempts while hitting just 1.6. A stretch 4 he is not.
At 6’10”, Jackson’s main concern should be controlling the paint. He has the ability to put the ball on the floor for someone his size but he tends to drift out to the perimeter when he’s needed in the post. The Grizzles are able to mask his deficiencies at times.
If winning champion is a true goal for the Grizzlies this season or next, it starts with Jaren Jackson Jr. He has to become the player willing to do the dirty work but play under control. With his size and mobility, there are not many PFs in the NBA who can keep up with him. He just has to go out and play the game the way his team needs him not the way he sees fit.
The Memphis Grizzlies are heading in the right direction. Jackson is trending upwards. all they need is to get everyone on the same page with the same goal in mind–winning. A team this young with so much talent should not be stuck in a “what if” mode. Morant is the star, Brooks and Bane are the sidekicks but it’s Jaren Jackson Jr who plays the role of the heart and soul.
