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Memphis Grizzlies’ Forward Jarell Martin Turns 24 Today

By Christian Dudley

MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 12: Jarell Martin #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies dunks the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 12, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 12: Jarell Martin #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies dunks the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 12, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MEMPHIS, TN – MARCH 12: Jarell Martin #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies dunks the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 12, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – MARCH 12: Jarell Martin #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies dunks the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 12, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Jarell Martin, the Memphis Grizzlies’ first round selection in the 2015 NBA Draft, is celebrating a birthday today.

Today, a power forward for the Memphis Grizzlies turns 24 years of age. We are talking about Jarell Martin, who is preparing for his fourth season as professional NBA player.

In 2015, Martin was an intriguing prospect. He posted some big games during his college days at LSU, especially against the star-studded Kentucky Wildcats.

Jarell may not have reached his star potential just yet, but he has made major strides in the few short seasons that he has donned an NBA uniform.

Namely, Jarell Martin has overcome multiple injuries since joining the Memphis Grizzlies. After being their choice at the 25th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, the power forward suffered an injury that kept him out of summer league action. This would linger throughout his inaugural season in the professional ranks.

However, Martin would return to form and show flashes for the Grizz. However, the journey was still not stable heading into the 2017-18 season.

On Media Day in late-September of 2017, rumors began to surface during media availability that Jarell Martin had been waived by the Memphis Grizzlies. Imagine getting that news while being interviewed by all local media members.

Thankfully for Jarell, the rumors were false. He was not being cut from the Grizzlies’ roster…and thank goodness he was retained. He wound up being their best power forward on some nights and really pushed JaMychal Green for the starting position.

Playing in a career-high 73 games (including 36 starts), Jarell Martin averaged 22.8 minutes, 7.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game — all of which were career-best numbers. From the field, the power foward shot the basketball with an efficient accuracy of 44.6%. His longe-range shooting increased from nine makes in 2016-17 to 34 made treys in 2017-18, making for a 34.4% career accuracy from three-point land.

Entering a contract year in 2018-19, Jarell built a lot of momentum in a down Grizzlies season. Grizz Nation should expect big things from Martin in his fourth season, which should be his best yet if the second half of 2017-18 was any indication.

From the Beale Street Bears gang, happy birthday to Jarell Martin. Celebrate with us with a few of his top plays from the past season from the NBA and the Memphis Grizzlies.

Be sure to wish Jarell Martin a happy birthday via Twitter, and give him a follow, too.

Go Grizz! 

Next: Memphis Could Realistically Reunite their Legendary "Core Four?"

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