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Ex-Grizzlies star predicts big season for Jaren Jackson Jr.

By Mark Nilon

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 09: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the first half against the Golden State Warriors at FedExForum on March 09, 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 - MARCH 09: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the first half against the Golden State Warriors at FedExForum on March 09, 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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Memphis Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. currently finds himself coming off a summer to forget.

Despite being named Team USA’s best player during the 2023 FIBA World Cup training camp, in actual tournament play the big man seemed to be far from producing as such a commodity, finishing with rather pedestrian averages of 8.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.7 fouls per game on a putrid 28.6 percent shooting from deep.

Now, coming into 2023-24, there are those who believe the pressure may now be on Jackson to prove that his international play was nothing more than a mere fluke and that he can return to his 2022-23 regular season form that saw him claim his first All-Star nod, his second All-Defensive selection, and earn the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year Award.

Former Grizzlies star Tony Allen seems to believe that this will certainly wind up being the case, and even went as far as to state on a recent episode of Showtime’s KG Certified that a new career-best campaign could also be in store for Jackson.

Ex-Grizzlies star Tony Allen projects a big season for Jaren Jackson Jr.

"“I think this year coming up, he’s going to get a chance to be having more rebounds, be more defensive savvy and just respond to the critics,” Allen said. “Yea he didn’t play well [during the FIBA World Cup]. The whole USA didn’t play well, but I’m looking forward to big fella coming back this year understanding his body, understanding his game, understanding what I need to be. Wipe it under the rug.”"

https://twitter.com/shobasketball/status/1704555025844846799

Fellow former NBA star and show host Kevin Garnett also agreed with Allen’s sentiment that the Grizzlies stud could be in line for a tremendous year, as he noted that, even with his lackluster production, the “type of run” he was able to get during the World Cup can only help him come into the season already “in rhythm.”

Last fans and spectators saw Jackson suiting up in Memphis’ navy and yellow attire, he was posting stellar averages of 18.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.0 blocks while shooting 50.6 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from deep.

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