Fourth overall pick Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies just matched a rookie record by Pau Gasol.
As per the Grizzlies PR, Jackson Jr., who recorded 10 points and 11 rebounds, along with five blocks in their game against the Utah Jazz, is the first rookie to record a double-double with at least five blocks since Gasol:
.@jarenjacksonjr is the first @memgrizz rookie to post a double-double with 5+ blocks since @paugasol on March 15, 2002 vs Boston.
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) November 13, 2018
Gasol, who now plays for the San Antonio Spurs, went on to win the Rookie of the Year award. Will the 6-foot-11 Jackson Jr. replicate Gasol's success?
Despite his valiant effort, his team lost to the Jazz, 96-88. Mike Conley led the Grizzlies with 24 points. MarShon Brooks and Marc Gasol chipped in 10 points and 16 points, respectively.
The Jazz, for their part, got contributions from Joe Ingles, who finished with 19 points and three makes from downtown. Rudy Gobert had a double-double with 15 points and 16 rebounds. Donovan Mitchell had 12 points to his name.
The loss brings the Grizzlies' record to 7-5. Jackson Jr. is developing into a fine player thus far. He's averaging 11.6 points per game on 45.2 percent shooting from the field, as well as 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. Time will only tell if Jackson Jr. will develop into a franchise player like Gasol once was. But from the looks of it, he certainly has the right tools to succeed.
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