The NBA All-Star game(s) will commence tonight and the Memphis Grizzlies will have three participants in the nightcap. While Jaren Jackson Jr. is the lone All-Star from the team, his rookie teammates, Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells, will participate as the new format allows the winner of the Rising Stars Challenge to play in the latest NBA All-Star game tournament-style format.
Edey and Wells were starters for both of Team C's (Chris Mullin) victories on Friday night to advance to play against the OGs (Team Shaq) on Sunday night. Edey produced six points, four rebounds, and one assist and Wells produced five points and two rebounds combined in their wins against Team T (Tim Hardaway) and Team G League to advance.
Now they will be coached by Candace Parker as they face Team Shaq's squad consisting of legends LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and others. If they can somehow pull off the massive upset they will have the opportunity to play against their veteran teammate Jaren Jackson Jr. and his Team Kenny (Kenny Smith) team.
Jaren Jackson Jr.'s squad consisting of lead guards Jalen Brunson and Anthony Edwards will face off against Team Ernie (Ernie Johnson) who have MVP front runners Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and others. That would be considered an upset as well considering the top-end talent and production of that roster.
As Jaren Jackson Jr. prepares to make his second NBA All-Star appearance, he joins a short list of Grizzlies All-Star players who have not only made an appearance but have made multiple appearances.
List of Grizzlies players to play in the NBA All-Star Game
- 2024 - 2025: Jaren Jackson Jr. (2nd)
- 2022 - 2023: Jaren Jackson Jr. (1st)
- 2022 - 2023: Ja Morant (2nd)
- 2021 - 2022: Ja Morant (1st)
- 2016 - 2017: Marc Gasol (third)
- 2014 - 2015: Marc Gasol (2nd)
- 2012 - 2013: Zach Randolph (2nd)
- 2011 - 2012: Marc Gasol (1st)
- 2009 - 2010: Zach Randolph (1st)
- 2005 - 2006: Pau Gasol (1st)
Marc Gasol is the only player in franchise history to be named to three All-Star teams while playing for the Memphis Grizzlies. His brother Pau Gasol made six total All-Star appearances with the Grizzlies, Los Angeles Lakers, and Chicago Bulls.
Also, Mike Conley Jr. missed the cut throughout his 12-year career with the Grizzlies before finally making an All-Star appearance with the Utah Jazz in 2021. Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. will look to tie and break Marc Gasol's record in the coming years as the Grizzlies' franchise players for the near future.