The Dream starting 5 for the Grizzlies 5 years from now
By Tyler Watts
PF: Jaren Jackson Jr.
Jackson Jr. made his first All-Star appearance, led the league in blocks, and won Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. The 6’11 big man was outstanding. He averaged 18.6 points per game on 50.6 percent shooting from the field and 35.5 percent on his 3-point attempts. The 23-year-old is putting it all together, but there are still some flaws.
Fouls remain an issue for Jackson Jr., and it was on full display during the 2023 FIBA World Cup. He averages 3.7 per game in just 27.4 minutes for his NBA career. Foul trouble is limiting his minutes. Going hard after shots leads to three blocks per game, but there is a happy medium there somewhere.
Jaren Jackson Jr. is a below-average rebounder for a center, which is why the Grizzlies’ ideal spot for him is likely the four. That puts someone else in the middle to block some shots and gobble up rebounds. Beside a center, there are likely fewer fouls and a bit more time on the floor for JJJ.
The 6’11 big man will be 28 years old in 2028 and right in the middle of his prime. He will likely be a multiple-time All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year. He must stay healthy and improve the consistency of his jumper. Jackson Jr. can take his game to another level and will be a building block for the Memphis Grizzlies over the next decade.