Jackson Jr. Represents Memphis Grizzlies at Annual Photo Shoot

Jaren Jackson Jr. placed the Memphis Grizzlies in the spotlight at Sunday’s 2018 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot hosted by Panini America.

Approximately two months until the official tip-off of the regular season, Sunday marked the date for the NBA’s annual Rookie Photo Shoot conducted by Panini America. From a Memphis Grizzlies perspective, all eyes were on Jaren Jackson Jr., the fourth overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft.

This annual event places the majority of the first-year faces in their gameday uniforms. For instance, Grizz Nation has witnessed “Triple-J” donning a Grizzlies uniform in NBA Summer League action, but it was not the new uniforms, which were unveiled a few days ago.

Jackson Jr. sported two versions of the Grizzlies’ new uniforms today. Specifically, these were the road (dark blue) and alternate jerseys (powder blue). Summer league proved that Jaren belonged in the NBA, but seeing him today in the new uniforms further proved that he is meant to be a Grizzly. It feels meant to be. He is the future face of the franchise.

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Photographs taken at today’s event will be used on trading cards, pieces of memorabilia, advertisements, packaging, and other materials developed by Panini America and the NBA over the course of the upcoming 2018-19 season. Autographs were also signed by the crop of rookies. These will be used in memorabilia releases, including trading card products, throughout the new season and beyond.

On Saturday, each participating rookie took a close-up snapshot. By Sunday, Panini employees worked around the clock to transform those images into the first official rookie cards of the players. The set, once the card(s) becomes autographed, is titled “Next Day Signatures” for this very reason. Being true gems to collectors, these will fetch hefty prices for all players, not just the top picks. The rookie cards of the Memphis Grizzlies’ top pick will be highly sought after.

Jaren Jackson Jr., a very outgoing young man, was quick to throw jokes at his fellow classmates. He threw shade at LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers while attempting to make Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk laugh during a shoot, as seen directly below.

You cannot help but to love Jackson Jr. He has been everything the Memphis Grizzlies could have hoped within a short amount of time. At the top of the list, “healthy” is the sweetest of descriptions. The upcoming season is oozing with excitement and it is not yet September. This means the dog days of the NBA offseason are well upon us. For now, enjoyment of the Rookie Photo Shoot will have to do.

Past Memphis Grizzlies rookies to take part in the NBA Rookie Photo Shoot include Ivan Rabb, Deyonta Davis, Wade Baldwin IV, and Jarell Martin. Of course, of these four particular names, only Rabb continues to stand on the Grizzlies’ roster.

Memphis’ second round Draft selection, Jevon Carter, did not participate in the event due to thumb surgery set for Monday.

Go Grizz!