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Memphis Grizzlies: Unfavorable for Jaren Jackson Jr to Earn NBA All-Rookie Team Selection

By Christian Dudley

MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 5: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts to a play during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 5, 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 - MARCH 5: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts to a play during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 5, 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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As the Memphis Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. continues to be sidelined, the chance at an NBA All-Rookie Team selection is slipping away at a rapid rate.

One month — more specifically, four weeks — is all that remains in the 2018-19 NBA season. In a lowly overall showing from the Memphis Grizzlies this time around, there is only a slight chance any of their players receives postseason acknowledgement. As it stands, rookie Jaren Jackson Jr. has the best shot relative to an NBA All-Rookie Team selection.

Though fans of the Grizzlies have every right to be upbeat about the potential behind Jackson Jr., it is understood that he will not be this year’s Rookie of the Year award winner. The most recent NBA Draft class has proven to be extremely deep and multiple NBA All-Stars will certainly come from this particular group.

Luka Doncic was leading the way, but now the Rookie of the Year race has transitioned into the Trae Young show. In today’s NBA — a league dominated by guard play — it is no surprise to see the top first-year guys derive from the point guard position.

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Even within a guard’s game, big man Jaren Jackson Jr. has made a name for himself at just 19 years of age. He is your modern NBA big — a player that can exhibit a bit of ballhandling, run the floor, and stretch the offense by stepping outside and knocking down the three-ball. Being as defense is his strong suit, he is an all-around force, which is why the basketball world has been gushing of praise for the Michigan State product.

As the Memphis Grizzlies went to February’s NBA Trade Deadline in pursuit of a way to hand the keys over to Jackson Jr., the moment was short-lived. The final stretch of the season was meant to showcase Jaren with as many offensive looks as he could stand, but an injury got in the way. Though minor, Memphis rightfully wants to take zero risk with their prized possession.

As the Grizzlies ride a three-game winning streak heading into Wednesday’s matchup versus Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks, Jaren will miss his 10th consecutive game. It is looking more and more likely that “Triple-J” will not check into another game during his rookie campaign. Though it is relaxing to see Memphis act with precaution, this ultimately kills his chance of earning an NBA All-Rookie Team selection.

In a lot of NBA seasons, a stud like Jaren Jackson Jr. would be a lock for an NBA All-Rookie Team bid, especially with statistics of 13.8 points on 50.6% shooting (including 35.9% from long-range) to go with 4.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.4 blocks in 26.1 minutes per game. This is over a duration of 58 games (56 starts). Jaren has made the most of his playing time, albeit as the team’s third option at best. It is no wonder Grizz Naton has scrutinized Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff.

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Overall, this Draft class is tremendous. Think of all the talent outside of Doncic, Young, and Jackson Jr. 2018’s first overall Draft pick was Deandre Ayton, who is averaging a double-double on nearly 60% shooting accuracy. Marvin Bagley III has been as good as both Ayton and Jackson Jr in the frontcourt. Plus you cannot leave out Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Okogie as they both have lived up to the potential of being NBA-ready swingmen.

Next are some of the surprises among this rookie class, and there has been a lot of them. Most seasons, a few first-year names emerge as solid role players, but the 2018-19 season has been littered with these types.

Landry Shamet has been spectacular, even after a midseason trade. Allonzo Trier has defied all odds as an undrafted rookie to become one of the New York Knicks’ top scoring threats. Trier’s rookie counterpart — Mitchell Robinson — has proved to be a valuable asset in the painted area on both ends of the floor. Rodion Kurucs is perhaps an even bigger surprise than his aforementioned first-year peers. Plus, as a late-bloomer a la Ben Simmons in 2017-18, the Harry Giles III is now proving his worth.

It is no surprise to see the current NBA.com Rookie Ladder rankings give high praise to all of these rookies. It has been a pleasure to watch these youngsters grow in 2018-19. These names truly are the future of the NBA, which is a pure demonstration of this league being in great hands moving forward.

But what about Jaren Jackson Jr., you say? Assuming the Memphis Grizzlies’ star rookie does not appear in another game this season, do not expect him to be placed on the First or Second NBA All-Rookie Team. It is no disrespect to “Triple-J,” but rather, a testament to the tremendous level of talent oozing from this rookie class.

Jaren fell to the honorable mention segment of the Rookie Ladder rankings in Week 16. That is when some of these surprise talents really began to produce. For them, it is a matter of making their move at the right time, which also includes some playoff pushes that will continue over the next four weeks of NBA action.

For the Memphis Grizzlies, this poor record does not help Jaren Jackson Jr.’s NBA All-Rookie Team chances. If he were to be playing right now, he would be a lock. He would probably be a guarantee for a First Team bid. Yet, voters could forget the impact he has made when it comes to submitting final ballots. His rookie peers are just that good.

With Dillon Brooks receiving the snub last year, even after appearing in all 82 games (74 starts), being overlooked is an opportunity to strive harder for greatness. Assuming Jaren Jackson Jr. gets overlooked, too, he and Brooks should take a look at Mike Conley for inspiration. This should be motivation. After all, Conley continues to be an All-Star snub, yet allows his play do the talking — hence being named the latest Western Conference Player of the Week.

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Regardless of NBA All-Rookie Team accolades, the future will remain bright for Jaren and his Grizzlies. The All-Rookie selections only pertain to this season. Beyond the rookie campaign, Jackson Jr. remains at the the top of opposing General Managers’ lists for top prospects in which to begin a franchise. He is right on time with Memphis’ impending rebuild.

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