Memphis Grizzlies: 5 areas of improvement upon Jaren Jackson Jr.’s return

The Memphis Grizzlies will have size and can no longer be bullied down low

Something that the Grizzlies have struggled with this season is being able to match certain teams’ size down low. Jonas Valanciunas is as sturdy of a big man as anybody could ask for, but beyond him, who else do the Grizzlies have without Jaren Jackson Jr.?

The second-most physical player on this roster is probably 6’8″ rookie center Xavier Tillman, who has had issues matching up against 7-footers this season. That said, the rookie has had a great first year and has been exceeding all expectations.

But a 6’8″ second-round pick isn’t good enough and that has shown. The Grizzlies made the commitment of keeping Gorgui Dieng out of the rotation for around a month leading up to his buyout, so it’s clear that they’re holding out down low for JJJ’s return.

When Jackson Jr. returns, this team could be extremely dominant in the paint. The Grizzlies actually lead the NBA in points in the paint per game, so you can imagine what they’ll be capable of when their top big man returns.

Expect the offense to look effortless and the defense to clamp up. Teams won’t be able to attack Memphis in the same way that they have been so far in 2020.

With Jonas Valanciunas having a career year, the Grizzlies may have accidentally formed one of the best frontcourts in the NBA.