Memphis Grizzlies: 3 players that need to step up their shooting

Memphis Grizzlies F: Jaren Jackson Jr.

Now I know what you’re thinking: Jaren Jackson Jr. hasn’t even played this year while he’s been recovering from the torn meniscus that he suffered in early August. He is expected a make a full recovery and the recent timetable that has been reported is that he should be available sometime after All-Star weekend.

Once he returns, it is critical that the team chemistry doesn’t take too much of a hit while he works his way back into the starting lineup. It is also critical that he shoots well from the floor and 3-point range like he did last year. If he starts out slow and is rusty with his game for too long, then the Grizzlies will be in trouble and will be hard pressed to make the playoffs.

We simply cannot have JJJ struggling to hit shots, as he was the teams second-leading scorer last year and will be a necessary contributor again for this season after the All-Star break. If he can match or improve last year’s shooting mark of 39.4%, then the team can be in an excellent position to make a push for the playoffs.