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Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. put on blast by rising NBA superstar [WATCH]

By Mark Nilon

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - APRIL 16: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during Game One of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at FedExForum on April 16, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - APRIL 16: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during Game One of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at FedExForum on April 16, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /
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The Memphis Grizzlies as a team may not have seen a lick of legitimate on-court action since their unfortunate first-round demise against the Los Angeles Lakers back in late April, but several members of the organization find themselves keeping busy this summer as they take part in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

For Team USA, star big man Jaren Jackson Jr. has picked up right where he left off for Grind City this past season, as his play has received praise from his coaching staff as well as his tourney teammates.

The 23-year-old was even voted as the club’s “most impressive” performer by his peers.

That said, even with the recent slew of feel-good news for the Grizzlies forward, this is not to say that everything has been going his way of late.

Grizzlies big Jaren Jackson Jr. put on blast by Anthony Edwards

Just recently, a video surfaced of Jackson in the middle of practice with his teammates and, while scrimmaging, he was on the opposite end of a slam dunk by budding superstar Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves. While hanging on the rim, the third-year guard took a heat-of-the-moment jab at the big’s well-documented defensive pedigree.

Throughout his five years in the association, Jackson has established himself as one of the most dominating defensive forces in the frontcourt. During this span, he has come across a bevy of accolades for his efforts on the less glamorous side of the ball, including an All-Star nod, two All-Defensive first-team selections, and, most recently, was awarded the league’s Defensive Player of the Year award just last year.

2022-23 proved to be his best as a pro, as he posted stellar per-game averages of 18.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks while shooting a highly efficient 50.6 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from deep through 63 games played.

Though Edwards may have gotten the last laugh on the in-practice dunk, as Grizzlies fans feel throughout the NBA season, Team USA should be confident having Jackson serving as their defensive focal point during the World Cup.

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