Grizzlies: Jaren Jackson Jr. just put the league on notice — he’s officially back

Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. put on a show against Chicago in the final preseason game of 2021.

Even if it was “just a preseason game,” the No. 4 overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft had his best game in a very long time for the Grizzlies.

For the first time since the 2019-2020 season, Jackson looked like the unicorn player we all saw flashes of during his rookie and sophomore season.

Memphis Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. looked fantastic in the final dress rehearsal before the 2021-22 NBA season officially begins

Against the Chicago Bulls, Jackson erupted for 29 points (7-12 from beyond the 3-point line), 7 rebounds, 2 assists and only 2 fouls in 29 minutes of play. A fantastic stat line for the 6’11” big man out of Michigan State.

Jaren Jackson looked like the best player on the floor at times against the Bulls, knocking down 10 of his 18 field goal attempts. His seven-made three-pointers is the second most of his NBA career (he once hit 9 threes in a regular-season game against Milwaukee in 2019).

His 29 points included a devastating cross-over, step-back three that he drilled in the face of Bulls defender Patrick Williams.

This performance from Jackson has got to make Memphis Grizzlies fans feel good about Jackson and what he’ll add to this 2021 squad. After only playing a handful of games last season, it’ll be Jackson’s first full, healthy season since his sophomore year in 2019-20.

Throughout the 2021 preseason, Jackson averaged 18 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. He got incrementally better with each passing game.

If Jackson can stay healthy and stay out of foul trouble, then the Grizzlies have a chance to make some noise in the Western Conference this season.

The Memphis Grizzlies begin the 2021-22 regular season Oct. 20 vs Cleveland at 7 PM CT.