The Memphis Grizzlies snapped an agonizing five-game losing streak by allowing rookie Jaren Jackson Jr to take charge in Los Angeles.
It was beyond time for the Memphis Grizzlies to snap their five-game losing streak on Sunday, but guys had to step up in order to defeat the tall task of the Los Angeles Lakers. Jaren Jackson Jr. stepped up to the plate.
It was not just Jackson Jr., but rather his head coach in J.B. Bickerstaff. After five consecutive losses, it appears as if Bickerstaff has finally come to his senses in acknowledging that any and all Jaren minutes are excellent minutes.
Following a 102-99 road loss to the Sacramento Kings, in which Memphis fumbled a 19-point lead, Coach Bickerstaff offered some disappointing words surrounding the highest priority the team has at the power forward position. The Athletic‘s Omari Sankofa II provided the transcription:
Asked Bickerstaff about his decision to stick with Green over Jackson Jr. – "Jaren got off to a good start. We made our substitutions, our normal rotations and again, were trying to win basketball games and that's it. The decisions we make, we're tryingc to win games."
— Offseason O (@omarisankofa) December 22, 2018
A few weeks ago, Jaren Jackson Jr. leaped ahead of Dallas’ Luka Doncic in terms of rookie-season performance. Since then, Bickerstaff has been childish with the fourth overall Draft pick’s playing time. He has been seemingly convinced that JaMychal Green is the far better player.
In some instances, favoritism toward veteran players is understandable, and a lot of times the best option when the team is fighting for a playoff spot. It can be hard to trust a first-year professional, and a 19-year-old, no less.
However, this is Jaren Jackson Jr. that we are talking about. He has stardom written all over him. His NBA comparisons include the likes of Kevin Garnett, Anthony Davis, and Jermaine O’Neal (among others) for very good reasons.
Statistics disprove J.B. Bickerstaff’s former thoughts. The Memphis Grizzlies are 7-4 when Jackson Jr. plays greater than 30 minutes. Alternatively, they are 10-12 when he receives less than 30 minutes of floor time.
But wait, it gets more interesting. Stats also show Memphis is 9-5 when Jaren attempts at least 10 shots. Surprisingly, he has logged 14 games of at least 10 shot attempts. This is without Bickerstaff drawing up many offensive opportunities for the team’s first round Draft pick. Imagine if he was a focal point within their offense.
#GrindCity @jarenjacksonjr continues his strong play, putting up 27 PTS, 9 REB in the @memgrizz road W! #NBARooks pic.twitter.com/zjxu7DhXRZ
— NBA (@NBA) December 24, 2018
After bullying LeBron James on Sunday, Bickerstaff may have witnessed the last of what he needed to see in order to better prioritize Jaren Jackson Jr. Memphis’ 107-99 victory over Los Angeles featured plenty of head-to-head battling between “King” James and “Triple-J,” and the rook won the duel inside the King’s temple.
Still just 19 years of age, the sky is the limit for Jaren. The more of an opportunity he receives to grow and showcase his skill set, the more wins Memphis will collect this season and beyond.
After multiple heroic performances through 33 games, it is time for J.B. Bickerstaff to place his full trust in Jaren Jackson Jr. This kid is not your typical rookie. Just ask LeBron — “Triple-J” is the real deal.