Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. put on blast following FIBA elimination

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - SEPTEMBER 5: Jaren Jackson Jr of U.S. reacts during the FIBA Basketball World Cup quarter-final game between Italy and U.S. at Mall of Asia Arena on September 5, 2023 in Manila, Philippines. (Photo by Ariana Saigh/Getty Images)
MANILA, PHILIPPINES - SEPTEMBER 5: Jaren Jackson Jr of U.S. reacts during the FIBA Basketball World Cup quarter-final game between Italy and U.S. at Mall of Asia Arena on September 5, 2023 in Manila, Philippines. (Photo by Ariana Saigh/Getty Images) /
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Throughout his five-year stint with the Memphis Grizzlies, Jaren Jackson Jr. has managed to establish himself as one of the NBA’s top-flight big men.

From his defensive prowess that has earned him two All-Defensive nods and, last season, the Defensive Player of the Year award to his floor-spacing abilities that have seen him convert on three-point attempts at a 35.2 percent clip for his career, trip-J has become a quality and incredibly promising two-way presence down in the frontcourt.

However, his high-end level of play didn’t seem to shine through during the 2023 FIBA World Cup while serving as the starting pivot for Team USA, which is something fans and media pundits alike have put on notice following the club’s elimination from the tournament with their semifinals loss to Team Germany on September 8.

Fans slam Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. following FIBA World Cup ouster

One fan went on to state that the Grizzlies big should consider sending back his DPOY trophy following his lackluster efforts on the less glamorous side of the ball during this summer’s World Cup.

Another jokingly asked President Joe Biden to take away Jackson’s United States passport.

One user bluntly put a large portion of the blame for Team USA’s loss on Jackson.

Early on in the festivities, fellow Team USA member Anthony Edwards was quite vocal about the big man’s foul struggles, with coach Steve Kerr even suggesting the big should consider toning down his physicality to avoid receiving whistles.

Coming into their contest against Germany, the Grizzlies big was averaging a grueling 3.0 personal fouls a game to go along with rather lowly counting stats of 8.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and a mere 1.0 blocks on a putrid 28.6 percent shooting from deep.

During their final outing whilst in contention for gold, he would go on to drop just eight points and three boards in 19 minutes played.

The United States would go on to lose their bout against Germany by a final score of 113-111.