Though Thursday may have been the always popular and hotly buzzed about NBA trade deadline, easily the biggest storyline on the day for the Memphis Grizzlies was rookie GG Jackson's historic performance against the Chicago Bulls.
During his first season in the 38103, the 45 overall selection from this past draft has impressed fans, media pundits, and his peers alike with his stand-out, on-court production. Grind City Media's Chris Wallace has even gone as far as to deem Jackson "the best-looking prospect" the club has seen since taking Ja Morant second overall back in 2019.
Now, following Thursday's performance, not only has he managed to build upon his value out in Grind City but he also etched himself into the record books of the league, as he became the youngest player (19 years, 53 days old) to score 25 or more points off the bench, a mark that previously belonged to the late, great Kobe Bryant.
Following the contest, Jackson provided yet another strong and genuine reaction to accomplishing such a feat, shouting out the legendary baller and highlighting his health fortunes in the process.
Grizzlies wing GG Jackson responds to breaking Kobe Bryant record
"Shout out Kobe... I feel like this is going to be stamped in Grizzlies history for a long time to come. I've said this before but it's not me, it's all glory to God. The opportunity thats been put at hand, obviously I'm fortunate with injuries and things, but you gotta go out there and take it."GG Jackson
force. @_ggjackson https://t.co/MwW5aNQoOe pic.twitter.com/TBZHurNyOI
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) February 9, 2024
On top of making history, the rookie also nabbed himself a brand new, full-scale contract with the Grizzlies, as his two-way deal was converted to a much-deserved four-year pact.
Jackson would finish off his night against the Bulls with 27 points and 9 rebounds while shooting 50.0 percent from the floor and 44.4 percent from distance.
Though Memphis ultimately fell to Chicago 118-110, his performance was yet another example of the high-end brand of developmental skills this coaching staff has and the impressive crop of youngsters they've collected over the past few years.