3 Grizzlies that earned untouchable status, 3 that should be cut loose
By Tyler Watts
Memphis Grizzlies that earned untouchable status: 1. Jaren Jackson Jr.
Jackson Jr. took his game to another level this season as he made his first All-Star appearance and won Defensive Player of the Year. The 23-year-old averaged 3.0 blocks per game to lead the league along with a career-high 18.6 points and 6.8 rebounds each night.
Jackson Jr. is going to struggle to play more minutes because of foul trouble, but the 6’11 big man showed just how special he is this season. He made plays all over the floor, hit 35.5 percent on his 3-point attempts, and has the ability to protect the rim and defend on the perimeter.
JJJ may be the best shot-blocker in the NBA right now. He literally got everyone from LeBron James to Joel Embiid to Klay Thompson. Jackson Jr. is always lurking around the rim, and his defense has been a key to the Grizzlies’ success.
Jaren Jackson Jr. is untouchable because there is no player in the league quite like him, and this is just the beginning. JJJ is still years away from his prime and injuries are the only worry in derailing his success. Could he win multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards? Jackson Jr. is certainly on pace to be a multiple All-Star and key piece in Memphis for the foreseeable future.