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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 – OCTOBER 3: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies poses for a photo with a fan during the Memphis Grizzlies Bus Tour on October 3, 2018 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 3: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies poses for a photo with a fan during the Memphis Grizzlies Bus Tour on October 3, 2018 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) /

Marketing Implications

Jaren Jackson Jr’s mother is high up in the NBA circle as she works in the WNBA‘s main office. His dad is an NBA Champion — one still in the good graces of the NBA fraternity.

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In other words, marketing opportunities and general exposure will be of the plenty for Jaren Jr. The kid has the personality to make the most of every opportunity. Meanwhile, JaMychal Green is essentially just another NBA player in the grand scheme of things. He is a good one, so there is nothing wrong with that. However, he does not have the franchise player persona.

Jaren is Box Office Baby baby, and we are talking Magic Johnson-esque levels of charisma, as well as unique basketball ability. That is the type of player it will take to attract elite players to the city of Memphis. That should be the plan right away if they are really serious about making the most of the remaining prime years of Mike Conley and Marc Gasol.

It reminds me of the Baker Mayfield versus Tyrod Taylor NFL situation in Cleveland. A promising and well-respected coach with genuine pedigree in their respective sports, provided with a savvy, reliable veterans possibly more prepared to win games right away, thus the coach keeping their seat at the head of the table if you will.

I understand it. It is not necessarily the wrong thing to do, depending on your vision. Your shiny new top-five Draft pick plays the same position as the former success story. However, the fans will show up in droves if the top Draft pick maxes out his potential.

dark. Next. How Far Away are the Memphis Grizzlies from Being Close to Their Peak?

Also, if the shiny new top Draft pick pans out, your in-game future has an identity and a head to lead with. Jaren, in particular, has the potential to revolutionize today’s game. So who are we kidding? Do we really wanna put Tyrod Taylor-level pressure on JaMychal Green or do we just go with the rookie with sky-high potential?

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