16 points per game on 37.9% shooting were Jaren Jackson Jr.'s stats from the Grizzlies' first-round series loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in last season's playoffs. Those numbers were a far cry from the All-Star and second-team All-Defensive performance he put on display throughout much of the NBA's regular season.
Jaren Jackson Jr. is widely considered a top 20-30 player in the NBA, but his performance in the playoffs sparked criticism from many, including ESPN's Kendrick Perkins, who said he wouldn't rank Jackson Jr. in his top 10 list of big men. Despite his shortcomings, Jackson Jr. secured a contract extension this offseason to continue his ascension as a franchise cornerstone for the Grizzlies.
While Jaren is entering his eighth season in the NBA, he will only be 26 years old when next season begins. This means his best basketball is likely in front of him. However, he will have to shake off his lackluster playoff showings sooner rather than later if the Grizzlies want to seriously become a championship contender.
Why is Jaren so ineffective in the playoffs?
The NBA playoffs are a different level from regular season play, as teams get to scheme against one opponent for an entire series. Jaren's primary problem in the playoffs has been opposing teams taking advantage of his tendency to foul. His foul troubles have been well-documented, but they get even worse in the playoffs.
Throughout his career, Jaren Jackson Jr. has averaged 3.6 fouls during the regular season. However, those numbers jump to 4.1 fouls in his playoff appearances. A player of his caliber has to find a way to stay on the floor, especially in postseason play when the referees allow teams to play more physically.
Jaren has worked on his offensive game to be better acclimated to handle more physicality, but the Oklahoma City Thunder showed he still has another step to take following last season. Being young can't be an excuse forever when experience continues to increase as Jaren has played 27 playoff games in his career.
There are older All-Star-level players in the league who haven't played the number of games that Jaren Jackson Jr. has in the playoffs. The Grizzlies have signed him to the highest-paid contract on the team because they believe he will be better in the postseason. Now is the time for Jaren Jackson Jr. to insert the regular season version of himself in the playoffs.