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Year in Review: Top-4 Memphis Grizzlies Moments of 2018

By AJ Salah

MEMPHIS, TN - DECEMBER 26: Marc Gasol #33 and Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies high five during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 26, 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 - DECEMBER 26: Marc Gasol #33 and Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies high five during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 26, 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 Grizzlies
Memphis Grizzlies Jaren Jackson Jr. (Photo by Icon Sportswire) /

Selection of Jaren Jackson Jr

Chris Kern: “The Memphis Grizzlies surprised some people when they selected Jaren Jackson Jr. with the 4th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.

Some fans were unsure what he would bring to the table since his role at Michigan State was so inconsistent. People felt that the Grizzlies were all in on Luka Doncic.

The Dallas Mavericks seemed to think so as well as they opted to trade ahead of Memphis to ensure they would be able to select Doncic.

So far it has turned out well for both of these squads as they have been possibly the two best rookies to this point.

Doncic seems to be running away with the Rookie of the Year award but Jackson has been great in his own right. Through the team’s first 35 games, he is averaging 13.2 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.

He has shown the ability to take over games, especially in the road win over the Brooklyn Nets. He led the way with 36 points, including seven points in the final 40 seconds to force overtime.

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His ability to impact the game in a variety of ways is what makes him so special. He has struggled to stay out of foul trouble in some games which have led to him not being in at the end of close games.

That is an issue the coaching staff needs to address, but it should not stop us from enjoying all the good he has done. Obviously, we want this team to be as successful as possible but after last season we need to try and keep an open mind.

Jackson has shown his ability to be an elite two-way player. His ability to score the ball in every possible way makes him a matchup nightmare.

He does need to continue to develop his offensive game, but he has shown the potential to be great in every possible way. His defensive impact has been great as well.

He is averaging 1.7 blocks and 0.9 steals per game. One area he has struggled in is his inability to consistently get rebounds.

For a seven-footer to be averaging less than five rebounds per game is not good. It is an area he will continue to improve in as he gets stronger.

He has had some inconsistent play, but he has still shown all of the tools. It is still too early to tell for sure, but it seems like the Memphis Grizzlies got this one right.”

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