GG Jackson II is having a strong bounce-back third season with the Grizzlies despite struggling in his second season.
Despite being in his third season, it is important to remember that Jackson II is the youngest player on the roster at just 21 years old. This was a pivotal season for him, as he had a great rookie season that saw him end up on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. However, his second season was a significant struggle for him, as he could not return to his previous best that he showed as a rookie.
GG Jackson II is clearly a winning player
Even though Jackson II had a very strong rookie campaign, there were still concerns about his ability to impact games without the ball. The main questions were if GG Jackson II would become a quality off-ball player and a solid NBA defender. However, he has not just erased those concerns, but he is also showing that he has star potential in Memphis, especially since the start of 2026.
Since New Year's Day, GG Jackson II has been averaging 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists and has the fourth-best scoring average of any current Grizzly since the new year. To make matters even better, Jackson II's game has taken a significant leap since February began. For the month, he is averaging 16.3 points, 6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, along with 1.8 stocks per game.
It is obvious what the Grizzlies must do next
Beyond stats, GG Jackson II is standing out for multiple reasons. He is currently one of the best finishers at the rim, and he has clearly improved as an off-ball player. Whether he is on the bench or in the starting lineup, he is capable of scoring in short bursts. Despite the Grizzlies lacking healthy frontcourt options and players such as Ty Jerome and Scotty Pippen Jr. load managing, Jackson II has remained a positive presence on both ends of the court.
GG Jackson II signed a four-year contract with the team back in the 2023-24 season, but the last year is a club option for this summer. The Grizzlies will certainly pick up his option, but they must look into getting an extension done soon, rather than letting him hit the open market. Despite a rocky sophomore season last year, Jackson II is showing once again that he has all the tools to end up being a key franchise cornerstone in years to come.
Despite the team entering a rebuild, Cedric Coward and Zach Edey can certainly speed up the team's return to winning. However, a GG Jackson II extension would also be crucial for allowing the Grizzlies to win sooner and for years to come.