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Memphis Grizzlies: Jaren Jackson Jr.’s impact upon upcoming return

By Max Chronister

MEMPHIS, TN - JANUARY 26: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during a game against the Phoenix Suns at FedExForum on January 26, 2020 in Memphis, Tennessee. The Grizzlies defeated the Suns 114-109. 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. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - JANUARY 26: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during a game against the Phoenix Suns at FedExForum on January 26, 2020 in Memphis, Tennessee. The Grizzlies defeated the Suns 114-109. 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. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Memphis Grizzlies
Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

It’s no question that Jaren Jackson Jr. is  an all-star caliber player for the Memphis Grizzlies, but him coming off of a meniscus injury will force the front office on Beale Street to handle Jackson’s implementation back into his once-big role with some care.  Like all players coming off of injury, we should expect limited playing time for a lesser risk of re-injuring himself as well as time to get back into in game shape.

In Jaren Jackson Jr.’s short 2-year career, he has averaged 27.3 minutes per game, 15.5 points per game, 4.6 rebounds per game, 1.2 assists per game, and 1.5 blocks per game. He did this while maintaining a 49 percent shooting percentage from the field, 39 percent from deep, and 76 percent from the free throw line. Big minutes as well as numbers on both ends of the floor left for some big shoes to fill with the injury.

Jaren Jackson Jr.’s return to the Memphis Grizzlies is near, but what kind of impact will he have once he’s back?

While the Grizzlies would have preferred to not have the absence of Jackson Jr., it has proven to be more beneficial to the team than expected. The minutes that were up for grabs gave presented more opportunities for young guys on the team to step up and carry a bigger role than they would have with Triple-J being in the rotation.

The Grizzlies have made major adjustments in the lineup this season at the forward position, giving bigger roles and minutes to forwards Kyle Anderson and Brandon Clarke as well as rookie forward Xavier Tillman; and with triple J’s return closing in it will be interesting to see how the Grizzlies look with Jackson Jr. back on the floor again.

When Jaren Jackson Jr. is officially back in the starting lineup, the Grizzlies will be a scary sight to see night in and night out. The dynamic duo of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. will be on the hardwood once again, ripping apart the defenses with their unstoppable pick and roll game. The addition of Justise Winslow, along with drafting rookies Desmond Bane and Xavier Tillman, has proven to play out well for the team and have molded perfectly to the needs of this young squad.

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It’s easy to see that this group of guys have an opportunity at being playoff contenders for years to come with depth at every position on the floor. How the later half of this season will end is unpredictable due to the unknown pace in which Jackson Jr. returns to himself. But for years to come, these guys have a shot at not only contending for the playoffs, but contending for championships.

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