3 Memphis Grizzlies who need to step up before Jaren Jackson Jr.’s return

Jonas Valanciunas can be a rock for a young Memphis Grizzlies team

Jonas Valanciunas is another example of a player who could continue playing at his current level and help this team out a ton.

JV has been as reliable of a center as the Grizzlies could have asked for this year. With Jaren Jackson Jr. out, Valanciunas has accepted the challenge. He has stepped up and had the best season of his career so far.

The Lithuanian big man has become a double-double lock, collecting double-digit points and rebounds in 12 of his last 13 showings. The only game in that stretch where he didn’t produce a double-double was a 49-point victory over the Houston Rockets where he only played 12 minutes.

Much like Dillon Brooks, JV is one of the most important players on this team. He brings a veteran presence to the youngest team in the NBA.

At 7’0″, he simply needs to hold down the Grizzlies’ frontcourt for a few more weeks to keep this team in a good position. If he can continue to be a double-double machine, this team could be in a really strong position.

That said, nothing really matters if the last guy on this list doesn’t play well.