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Memphis Grizzlies Ensuring Jaren Jackson Jr’s Development Despite Inactivity

By Christian Dudley

MEMPHIS, TN - JANUARY 22: Tayshaun Prince talks with J.B. Bickerstaff and Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies during a practice on January 22, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - JANUARY 22: Tayshaun Prince talks with J.B. Bickerstaff and Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies during a practice on January 22, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Jaren Jackson Jr is recovering from a minor setback, but that will not stop the Memphis Grizzlies form furthering his rookie-year development.

Following the craziness known as the 2019 NBA Trade Deadline that reshaped the 2018-19 Memphis Grizzlies‘ roster, the plan was to give Jaren Jackson Jr. all the minutes and opportunities that he could handle. Yet, that plan was short-lived.

Jackson Jr. did not return to action following the NBA All-Star break and the Grizzlies are rightfully being cautious with the thigh bruise he has recently sustained.

Jaren has turned heads left and right as a 19-year-old NBA rookie. Still, his ceiling is so high and all of Grizz Nation is chomping at the bit to see him reach new heights sooner rather than later.

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It has been a couple weeks since an update has been released on the Michigan State product. Prior to the Memphis Grizzlies’ Tuesday matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers, Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff discussed how the team is keeping Jackson Jr.’s rookie-year development ongoing. Take a listen:

It is a breath of fresh air to hear how much the Memphis Grizzlies’ coaching staff cares for the development of Jaren Jackson Jr. While the franchise has quickly scrapped plans behind recent former members of the team such as Wade Baldwin IV and Deyonta Davis, they are truly investing time in Jaren’s growth as an NBA big man. Then again, Jackson Jr. is a much higher NBA Draft selection and oozes far more potential.

It is not clear if Jaren Jackson Jr. will return to game action this season. There are just 16 regular season contests remaining in the Grizzlies’ 2018-19 schedule, so time is quickly running out.

Regardless of Jaren playing again in his rookie season, the most important item is that he is heavily involved in scouting, listening, watching, and overall learning. He is traveling with the team and soaking it all in. When it comes to a 19-year-old prodigy, these developmental lessons off the court are as important as the ones on the court.

For the Memphis Grizzlies’ fan base, if there is any positive aspect to “Triple-J” sitting in street clothes at this point in the season, it is that the organization is playing it very safe with his minor injury. They have clearly learned from Chandler Parsons and former players in Jordan Adams, Mario Chalmers, and others of the team’s past.

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Additionally, it is intriguing to see the team already treat Jaren essentially as the next-in-line face of the franchise. It is not just the fans, but rather the coaching staff and Front Office, that acknowledges this kid is special and just has “it.” Jackson Jr. is a talent worth being patient.

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