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Memphis Grizzlies: Rookie Jaren Jackson Jr Should Start Immediately

By Ed Memphis

MEMPHIS, TN - OCTOBER 12: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies gets introduced before the game against the Houston Rockets on October 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 - OCTOBER 12: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies gets introduced before the game against the Houston Rockets on October 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 – SEPTEMBER 24: JaMychal Green #0 of the Memphis Grizzlies poses for a portrait during Memphis Grizzlies Media Day on September 24, 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 – SEPTEMBER 24: JaMychal Green #0 of the Memphis Grizzlies poses for a portrait during Memphis Grizzlies Media Day on September 24, 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) /

After a solid preseason showing, Jaren Jackson Jr. has provided plenty of reasons for the Memphis Grizzlies to start him over veteran JaMychal Green in the frontcourt.

Simply put, JaMychal Green has had his chance to shine with the Memphis Grizzlies. He has used it well enough to get just shy of $8 million per year in his current deal. Green is a very versatile defensive forward who can switch and rotate onto almost any player positions three through five for short stints if need be.

JaMychal is also a very capable corner three-point shooter — a catch-and-shoot guy — so he stretches the floor. I can reason with the days when Green was starting over one of my top-five favorite NBA players of all-time in Zach Randolph at the age of 35.

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In reality, Green may have been better for the starting group at the time, being as Zach was never a lockdown defender. “Z-Bo” had become almost nonexistent against the bouncy, small-ball stretch forwards of today’s NBA.

My issue is that Randolph is long gone now, and when given not only a chance to start a full season, but also assert himself as more of a featured member of the offensive production, JaMychal Green did not close the deal. It was underwhelming in ways.

Last season, Green averaged 102. points and 8.4 rebounds per game, along with switchable defense and a capable long-range jumper. That does not sound too bad, right?

JaMyke did not average a smooth 10 and eight, but more so a roller coaster of production as he struggled early on in the season and became better as the season progressed. He reached the fringe level for a starter production-wise.

Again, he is a solid role player, and one that could potentially start on a contending team such as the current Houston Rockets. However, playing JaMychal Green over the new rookie in town — Jaren Jackson Jr. — is borderline goofy at this point.

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