Grizzlies wing makes push up ladder board with recent surge

The Memphis Grizzlies have been one of the more disappointing teams in 2023-24 from an expectations versus reality standpoint, but there have still been a few bright spots fans can hang their hats on.

Perhaps the most noteworthy is the ascension of rookie wing, GG Jackson, who, thanks in large to the bevy of injuries that have plagued Taylor Jenkins' squad, has come across ample opportunities within the lineup and, in turn, established himself as one of the top talents they've had to offer this season.

Since claiming consistent playing time within the rotation back in mid-January, the 19-year-old has become a household name among the faithful followers of the Grizzlies organization, with Grind City Media's Michael Wallace going as far as to tab him as "the best-looking prospect the Grizzlies have had coming in from the draft since they got Ja Morant."

As of late, it appears his play is starting to be recognized by onlookers residing outside the 38103, as Derek Parker of FanNation recently listed him for the first time within his rookie ladder board ranks, having him tied with Rockets forward Amen Thompson for 10 on his list.

Grizzlies wing GG Jackson rising rookie ladder board with recent play

"In his last four games, Jackson has looked the part of an offensive supernova, averaging 20.3 points on 45% shooting overall. He’s drawn 4.5 free throws per game and came down with the same number of rebounds.

There’s still plenty of work to do — he’s yet to nab a steal in that same span — but he’s the youngest player in the NBA, and is sure to improve on his already sky-high ceiling."

- Derek Parker

What makes his inclusion on such a list even more impressive is the fact that, of all the talents mentioned, he is the only one to have been selected outside of round one of the 2023 NBA Draft, as the Grizzlies nabbed him with the 45 overall pick last June.

From his electric shooting stroke to his impressive burst and athleticism, Jackson has endeared himself to the ball club and has become a rotational staple not only for this year but for the next several to come, as he earned a full-scale, multi-season pact with the franchise back in early February

Whilst predominantly coming off the pine, since landing consistent action within coach Jenkins' scheme back on January 13, the wing has posted impressive per-game averages of 14.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and just shy of a block over 27 games all while shooting 44.1 percent from the floor and 36.5 percent from distance.

Once this Grizzlies team is fully healthy, the hope presumably is that Jackson can continue on with his energizer bunny style of play coming off the bench and serve as their sixth man with Ja Morant and company looking to spearhead the charge toward claiming the organization's first Larry O'Brien Trophy.