Three reasons Memphis Grizzlies will succeed: Ja, Jaren, and Brandon
Jaren Jackson Jr.
The second reason Grizzlies fans should be looking forward to the future is their big man Triple J. This is a guy that I’m personally super excited about. I truly believe it when I say that Jackson Jr. is going to be the next guy to take a Pascal Siakam or Bam Adebayo type leap. He has all the tools necessary to do so, he just needs to stay healthy. If he is able to do that, it is just a matter of time.
For his 2019-2020 season, Jackson appeared in 57 of 68 games, averaging 17.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists on 47-39-75 shooting splits and a PER of 16.3.
JJJ really looks to have taken a step in the right direction on the offensive end this season. His scoring average is up nearly 4 points a game from last season, and there are a couple reasons for this.
One reason is he is just simply getting more shots than last season. He is up to 13 shots a game from 10 last season.
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And these shots are coming from the area he really improved from this season: behind the arc.
Jackson Jr. is taking 7 threes a game this season, up from 2 per game last season. And in doing so, he has improved his shot tremendously. He is hitting 39% of his three pointers this season, up from 36% last season. A 6’11” big who can shoot the three at a 40% clip is the prototypical big for the current NBA.
Jackson Jr. also has gotten much better at putting the ball on the floor this season, as he demonstrated so well against New Orleans.
Don’t sleep on Jackson’s defense either. His length alone makes him a more than capable defender and rim protector. He is only averaging 1.6 blocks per game, but that is something he can most certainly build on and look to improve on in the future. If he takes a step in the right direction and becomes an elite rim protector to go along with his offensive abilities, he could be an All-NBA level talent.
Note: As I am writing this it has been reported that Jackson Jr. has a torn meniscus and will undergo season ending surgery. Wishing Triple J a speedy recovery!