Grizzlies: Jaren Jackson Jr. is going to shock the NBA in 2021-22

Memphis Grizzlies F Jaren Jackson Jr. has some simple fixes to make in the offseason on defense

Jaren Jackson Jr.’s defense seemed like it had regressed on the surface. The 6-11 forward with an ungodly wingspan struggled in the playoffs and missed a decent amount of playing time due to foul trouble. It wasn’t an ideal situation.

That said, it was extremely situational.

Pardon my corny play on words, but JJJ was thrown into a really abnormal spot for the 2020-21 season. His team had developed a defensive identity without him and the guy hadn’t set foot on a basketball court in six months.

All of the small things that he had learned and developed over the past few years had vanished, hence the dumb fouls. Add this to the fact that he had one of the worst matchups imaginable in Rudy Gobert for the final four games of his season and we’re left with a not-so-nice taste in our mouths at the end of the year.

The argument could be made that Jaren Jackson Jr. actually committed fewer unpreventable fouls in 2021 than any previous season. A large portion of his fouls were committed out of frustration or a lapse of judgment. These can and will be coached out of a player.

Jackson finished with four fouls or more in every single one of the Grizzlies’ playoff games against the Utah Jazz. Do not expect this to continue in 2021-22, at least not to the same extent. Even though JJJ looked physically comfortable, his body movements were not as controlled as before the injury, leading to these stupid fouls. That will come with time.

We didn’t see as many failed block attempts or contact fouls down low, so that should be looked at as a good sign. The Grizzlies’ unicorn will be ready to fly again next season.

Imagine this 2020-21’s Memphis team with Jaren Jackson back in full force. That could be a terrifying sight for an NBA that was surprised to see the Grizz make the playoffs in 2021.