Only two years have gone by, but since the 2023 NBA Draft, GG Jackson has been in a whirlwind since being selected with the 45th Overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies. He was named All-Rookie second team after not getting real playing time until the calendar flipped to 2024.
Due to a successful rookie campaign, expectations were placed on him entering his sophomore season, which was a setback due to a broken foot injury ahead of training camp. His return mid-season to a winning team disappointed after averaging half the amount of points on worse efficiency while playing 10 fewer minutes per game.
It often feels like GG Jackson was the Grizzlies' only draft pick during that draft. The team had another draft selection 11 spots later, with the 56th selection who has been stashed overseas and looks to be ready to join the team this summer.
The Grizzlies could already rights to multiple Luke Kennard replacements
Tarık Biberovic has been in the EuroLeague since he was drafted by the Grizzlies, following a Summer League stint with the team in 2023. A report surfaced that he could be seeking a move to Memphis following a EuroLeague championship victory with Fenerbahce.
In seven games played with the Grizzlies Summer League team during the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas summer leagues, the 6'7" forward averaged 6.7 points on 38.6% shooting in 16 minutes per game. However, his 48% shooting, including 42.1% shooting from three in the five Las Vegas games stands out.
After returning to Fenerbahce following his summer league stint with the Grizzlies, Biberovic shot 44.4% from three on 559 total attempts over the last two seasons. That high mark would be welcomed to a Grizzlies team that doesn't expect to retain pending free agent sharpshooter Luke Kennard.
With three upcoming free agents, Memphis has been widely assumed to promote two-way guard and 2024 second-round pick Cam Spencer to one of those spots as the shooter with defensive upside. Biberovic would likely command a roster spot over a two-way, meaning the Grizzlies could presumably add two shooters to replace Kennard's production.
Luke Kennard's production soured towards the latter part of the Grizzlies' season, leading to fewer minutes. He shot a career playoff-low 22.2% on threes in their first-round series loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The biggest gripe many had about that is he only attempted nine threes in those four games for a team that needed spacing.