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Memphis Grizzlies’ Rookies Enter First Season Calm and Collected

By Christian Dudley

MEMPHIS, TN - OCTOBER 1: Jevon Carter #3 and Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies board the team plane on October 1, 2018 at Wilson Air Center 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 1: Jevon Carter #3 and Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies board the team plane on October 1, 2018 at Wilson Air Center 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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The Memphis Grizzlies’ rookie duo is feeling 100% confident heading into their inaugural professional season.

Being the rookie is not always easy. However, you would not be able to tell by looking at the Memphis Grizzlies‘ tandem of Draft picks.

The team’s fourth overall selection of the 2018 NBA Draft — Jaren Jackson Jr. — is as cool as a cucumber. He is only 19 years old, but is as savvy as a seasoned veteran. He carries himself in a way that screams franchise player persona, though that is a lot to live up to at this point in his hoops career.

Then you look at the talented second round selection, Jevon Carter. He is more serious in demeanor, but honestly, both guys are all about their business. That is why Memphis picked them out of the potential rookie crop. These guys are mature and defensive-minded. They are characteristic of the ideal Memphis Grizzly.

In the Grizzlies’ five-game preseason schedule, both rookies received a taste of the nightly grind they are about to endure for the months to come. Even dating back to July’s NBA Summer League action, Jackson Jr. and Carter were able to cut the edge any nervous feelings.

Entering Wednesday’s season-opening matchup versus the Indiana Pacers, neither rookie was feeling the jitters. This bodes well for their impending success as first-year Grizzlies.

“I’m chillin’ right now,” said Jackson Jr. just minutes before he took the floor in his first regular season game. “You keep the same routine and you’re going to be fine,” he explained.

Behind these talented rookies is a supportive fan base in Memphis, Tennessee, which is something Jaren Jackson Jr. appreciates as he gets acclimated to his new home. “They bring a lot of energy, even when we’re not playing.”

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Though Jevon Carter was placed on the inactive list for Wednesday’s game, he is confident and remaining ready for when his name is called.

“No nervousness at all, just ready to get out there,” was the sentiment shared by the West Virginia product. “Just do what I got to do to help out my team” is the mindset Jevon is carrying with him into the first week of the regular season.

This first-year pair will not back down from any challenge. They are embracing it all, which is great to see, especially from Carter’s standpoint where he will have to fight his way through practice to earn minutes in Grizzlies Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff‘s rotation.

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Though the Memphis Grizzlies have not been successful in the majority of their NBA Draft selections, they look to be on track with Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jevon Carter. They will soon be the leaders of the next era of Grizz basketball, and for now, you cannot ask for much more. They are fully confident as they attack the NBA competition.

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