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Memphis Grizzlies: Jaren Jackson Jr. Owns Franchise Player Persona

By Christian Dudley

TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 12: Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 12, 2018 in Tarrytown, New York.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. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 12: Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 12, 2018 in Tarrytown, New York.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. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Jaren Jackson Jr. put the Memphis Grizzlies in the spotlight during NBA Summer League play. His talent plus personality could make him the league’s most likable player.

The Memphis Grizzlies rarely find success in the NBA Draft, but their fortune looks to be changing for the better. If the 2018 NBA Summer League is any indication, the franchise’s best days are head of them.

Memphis is building a strong supporting cast by striking gold in the Draft’s second round with picks of Dillon Brooks and Ivan Rabb in 2017. Rookie Jevon Carter looks to be another steal of a talent outside of the first round. Things get more serious when the Grizzlies’ first round selection gets mentioned.

The fan base can rarely trust the franchise when they are up on the Draft Night clock. However, the Memphis Grizzlies struck gold in 2007 when they owned the fourth overall pick. They spent it on Mike Conley and surprisingly stuck with the development project. This decision brought the franchise their best days to date.

Landing the fourth overall pick again in 2018, though premature, the Grizzlies look to be lucky once again. Losing out on the No. 1 overall pick has turned out to be okay (again, prematurely) if Summer League action was any indication.

Jaren Jackson Jr. has it all. He has the talent to be great on both ends of the floor. This 18-year-old is the total package. He truly has all the tools it will take the become the Memphis Grizzlies’ next franchise player. Those tools extend beyond on-court skills.

His father, Jaren Jackson Sr., is a former NBA player, spending 12 seasons in the assocation. This has helped groom “Triple-J” into the player he is today. Being an elite hooper is ingrained in his DNA. Very few prospects have this advantage and it has absolutely helped prepare Jaren Jr. get to this point, especially being under 19 years of age. This aspect will continue to boost the youngster in the coming years.

On another note, Jaren Jackson Jr. has the personality that it takes to become a franchise star. He is personable. The Michigan State product enjoys the spotlight. This is an uncoachable trait. Jaren has quickly caught the eyes of NBA fans worldwide, and a lot of it stems from his personality, such as his buzzer-beating jigs and poking fun at LeBron James‘ teammates. Jaren is likable and fans will form a connection with him over the course of his first professional season.

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The point is that the Memphis Grizzlies notched a guy that is capable of becoming the next face of the franchise. He has the persona to take on that role and responsibility. Over the next few years, leadership will have to become the focal point for Jackson Jr. This has been an issue in recent seasons, especially since the dismemberment of the Grizzlies’ “Grit-‘N’-Grind” core.

The next question becomes “when is it his time?” Honestly, Jackson Jr. may be the Grizzlies’ top dog prior to him turning 21. If you think about it, Marc Gasol has the potential to hit the free-agent market next summer (2019). That time may be the official end of the name “Gasol” in Memphis — something that has been a mainstay since the franchise arrived in Tennessee in 2001. This would make way for Jaren to become the team’s focal point in the frontcourt.

Additionally, Mike Conley’s lucrative super-max contract comes to an end following the 2020-21 season. Being as Conley will be going on 33 years of age at that stage in his career, it is tough to gauge how productive he will be. At 30, Mike only appeared in 12 games for the 2017-18 regular season. It is difficult to imagine Conley playing at a near-All-Star level by the time 2021 arrives.

Unless the Memphis Grizzlies draw together a genius plan to lure big-name free-agents to town, Jaren Jackson Jr. will be the biggest and most productive name on the roster. Though this is pure speculation, it seems like a fair bet given Jackson Jr.’s strong summer performances, injury woes to their stars, and contract configurations. This is only the beginning of a great Grizzly career for the latest fourth overall pick.

Go Grizz! 

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