Grizzlies: JJJ watched this show to understand Steven Adams’ accent

Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson, Jr. has an interesting study tactic to help him understand his new teammate’s thick New Zealand accent

The Memphis Grizzlies kicked off training camp with Media Day, where each player gave interviews about what they did in the offseason, how their workouts went, and their expectations for the new season.

Now that the Memphis Grizzlies are practicing and working out together, they are able to start building chemistry with some of the new faces on the team— and the Grizzlies have a lot of new faces.

One of the most visible newcomers for the team is Steven Adams, the 28-year-old 7-footer out of New Zealand. Adams brings with him years of NBA experience and knowledge that his young teammates hope to learn and implement in their own games.

After a recent workout, Grizzlies star big man Jaren Jackson Jr. met with local reporters in a media scrum. In that scrum, he told reporters that he’s been learning a lot from his new Kiwi teammate. According to Drew Hill of the Daily Memphian, Jackson also added the caveat that he’s been watching episodes of ‘Love Island (UK)’ on Hulu to help him better understand his new teammate through his thick accent.

There’s only one problem with Jackson’s well-intentioned study tactic —  ‘Love Island’ features British contestants. Steven Adams is a Kiwi — two totally different accents, which Adams was obviously bewildered by.

“[Jaren watched] so he could understand my New Zealand accent,” Adams said, carefully walking through Jackson’s logic. “Opposite sides of the world….he watched a United Kingdom TV show? I don’t know the logic behind it, but sure. Ok,” Adams said, nearly speechless by Jackson’s revelation, according to Clayton Collier of ABC24 Memphis.

Then, Adams, realizing that ‘Love Island’ is a reality dating competition show asked, “What the hell’s he doing watching ‘Love Island?’ C’mon mate, what are you doing,” he said laughing it off.

The reporters then informed Adams that Jackson and Brandon Clarke both gave heavy praise to his teaching skills, saying they are learning a ton from him. Evan Barnes of the Memphis Commercial Appeal captured Adams’ response.

“Me?” Adams asked for clarification, sounding surprised. “They can barely understand me, apparently! Somebody aughta teach him bloody English,” the New Zealander said, voice raising with excitement and laughter.

All the ribbing aside, the Grizzlies’ newest big man seems to be fitting in nicely with his new teammates. It’ll be important for the team to have good chemistry since Adams will likely be starting alongside Jackson.

The Memphis Grizzlies will play their first preseason game of the new season on Oct. 5 against the Milwaukee Bucks.