The Memphis Grizzlies believe they got a future star in 2018 fourth overall pick Jaren Jackson Jr.
Jackson had a stellar rookie year, establishing himself as the team's cornerstone in the post Grit-and-Grind era. Unfortunately, his season was cut short after he suffered a deep thigh bruise in February 2019 that eventually ruled him out for the rest of the campaign.
Despite the injury though, JJJ did enough to raise hopes and optimism in the Memphis organization. In fact, a team executive sees great things ahead for the 19-year-old big man.
“We think the world of Jaren. He’s going to be a star, because he wants it. This kid is such a hard worker. And he’s just figuring it all out and putting it all together. He’s got the size to do it all, but the skill to do it all too. That’s a rare combination,” the unnamed exec told Keith P. Smith of Real GM.
Jackson averaged 13.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.4 blocks in 58 contest (56 starts) for the Grizzlies last season. He was second in blocks per game among all rookies, sixth in points and ninth in rebounds.
The Michigan State product was named to the All-Rookie first team for his production along with the other top-five picks of the 2018 draft class.
JJJ figures to have a bigger role for Memphis come the 2019-20 campaign, with the team entering a new period after trading veteran point guard Mike Conley. Jackson and the 2019 pick, Ja Morant, are expected to lead the Grizzlies' youth movement in the tough Western Conference.
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