Memphis Grizzlies: It’s Time For J.B. Bickerstaff To Unleash Jaren Jackson Jr
By Chris Kern
The Memphis Grizzlies have found themselves a special talent in Jaren Jackson Jr. It’s time for them to start using him as such.
The Memphis Grizzlies have been inconsistent with their rotations this season for a variety of reasons. People blame head coach J.B. Bickerstaff and well he does deserve some blame there is so much more to it than that. He does need to make sure that Jaren Jackson Jr. is featured offensively the rest of this season though.
Jackson has struggled to stay out of foul trouble which has limited his minutes in a lot of the Grizzlies’ games thus far this season. He is averaging 3.8 fouls per game which leads the NBA and is a big concern for his development.
There have been so many games where he picks up two quick fouls and then is never able to establish a rhythm on either side of the ball. When he has been out there he has made a big impact though.
Related Story. It’s Time To Start Building Around Jaren Jackson Jr.. light
Through his first 58 games of the season, he is averaging 13.8 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. He does that on 51% shooting overall while also hitting 36% of his three-point shots and 77% of his free throws. His volume of shots has been very inconsistent but he has shot the ball very efficiently for a 19-year-old big man.
He also has made a big impact on the defensive end with his 1.4 blocks and 0.9 steals per game. Those numbers don’t jump out at you yet but they will. He has shown the potential to become an all-NBA defender and a future Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
The Grizzlies have started getting him the ball more in the month of February though. He is averaging 16.8 points on 12.2 shot attempts in the six games they’ve played. He’s also attempting 5.3 free throws per game though he is making just 69% of them. His three-pointer has been great though as he’s made 52% of his 3.5 per game in the six February games.
They need to continue to build on that and even get him more touches though. It will be tough to do so with so many new faces but he is the future, he needs to be the top priority. Mike Conley‘s days in Memphis may be soon over and they need to continue to develop their young star.
The good players they brought in at the NBA Trade Deadline are going to help this team but this team isn’t competing for the playoffs so no need to force things to get everyone involved. They need to run the offense through Jackson just as they should be doing for next season and beyond.
Despite some inconsistent play he has had some amazing moments this season. His 27 point performance in the road win over the Los Angeles Lakers was fantastic, headlined by his game-sealing three-pointer over nonother than Lebron James.
His best game of the season thus far though was his epic 36 point performance in the double overtime win on the road against the Brooklyn Nets. He was scoring the ball from every possible way and helped lead an epic comeback in the final minute of regulation.
More from Beale Street Bears
- Dillon Brooks speaks out after beating former Grizzlies teammate in World Cup
- Jaren Jackson Jr. puts ex-Grizzlies teammate on notice
- 3 players Grizzlies would consider trading Ja Morant for
- Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. put on blast following FIBA elimination
- Ex-Grizzlies guard signs with title favorite, joins forces with 6-time All-Star
These are just two of the many instances where he left Grizzlies fans speechless. Memphis hasn’t made a good selection at the top of the draft in a long time and it seems as if they have finally made a good pick. It’s still too early to tell for sure but fans should be very excited about what the future holds.
It’ll take a lot more to build even a playoff caliber team in the western conference but getting a young building block is the first step. If they unleash him the rest of this season we can expect him to head into his sophomore season with a lot of confidence.
He will have a lot to work on this offseason but he is off to a great start. There shouldn’t be any rush with his development. He is young and still improving and with some good veterans around him, that should help tremendously.
Next. How Zion Williamson Could Change The Grizzlies' Future. dark
The Golden State Warriors are running the west so the Grizzlies just need to build a team around Jackson for after that and making sure he reaches his full potential is the most important part of that. Sure you need more talent around him but the Grizzlies need to make sure their young star becomes the franchise superstar he is capable of.