There are some parallels to Jonathan Kuminga's recent situation with the Warriors and GG Jackson II with the Grizzlies. Even though they were drafted in different ranges, both players reclassified a year early and came into the league with plenty of room to develop. However, one thing the Grizzlies can learn from the Warriors with Jonathan Kuminga is that they can't give up on GG Jackson II too soon.
At this year's deadline, Jonathan Kuminga was traded to the Atlanta Hawks for Kristaps Porzingis, and the Hawks are winning the deal so far. Despite Kuminga not being prioritized by Steve Kerr and the Warriors, it is increasingly clear that the Warriors did not maximize his talents and that the Hawks are the ones to benefit.
Kuminga has given the Hawks significant energy on both sides of the ball and is showing signs of being a very legitimate defensive anchor for them. Sometimes, young players simply need to be believed in and given the room for growth.
It would be premature for the team to write off GG Jackson II so soon
The Grizzlies were tanking this season, and a common GG Jackson II criticism so far is he hasn't had the chance to contribute for a team trying to win. Despite this, it is important to note that GG Jackson II is still just 21 years old despite having finished his third season. He is not just younger than Cedric Coward and Jaylen Wells, but he is also younger than some players in this year's 2026 NBA Draft.
Similar to Jonathan Kuminga, Jackson II has had plenty of growing pains as a player and has even fallen out of the rotation at times. Even though there were valid concerns in the past about GG Jackson II's ability to contribute in a team setting, this year was a huge step towards flipping the narrative. If anything, his skillset on both sides of the ball can translate to winning when it matters most.
In 55 games, GG Jackson II averaged 12.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 21.4 minutes per game. After the February 9 loss to the Warriors, GG Jackson II scored in double figures every remaining game of the season, regardless of who played around him. His offensive process is not just more sustainable long-term, but he has also shown signs of growth as a defender too.
His development must stay a priority as the Grizzlies rebuild
GG Jackson II still can improve as a perimeter shooter and keep making a defensive leap, but the Grizzlies must continue prioritizing his development. Tuomas Iisalo had already made it a goal to coach him harder than anyone else on the roster, and it is paying off. The Grizzlies are rebuilding, and successfully developing their own players will be pivotal if they want to speed up the rebuild.
There are understandable concerns about GG Jackson II's game, such as tightening his handle and growing as a three-point shooter. But all the signs point to an upward trajectory as a player. The Grizzlies shouldn't make the same mistake as the Warriors did: bailing on a player with significant upside like Jonathan Kuminga.
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