GG Jackson talks suspension, future with Grizzlies after win over Rockets

In his first game back following Monday's surprise suspension, rookie GG Jackson led the way in scoring for the Memphis Grizzlies with 20 points off the pine which, in turn, served as a major catalyst for the team in their 121-113 victory over the visiting Houston Rockets, marking it as their first win in 10 games.

Filled with excitement to be back on the floor and remorse for having missed their previous bout against the Pelicans due to his own doings, the 19-year-old shared his thoughts on being pulled from the lineup during his post-game presser.

GG Jackson talks suspension and thoughts on future with Grizzlies

"I don't want to use my age as an excuse but you make mistakes here and there. You're gonna learn from them. The coaching staff expressed to me how they know I'm better than that and they know I'm going to continue to get better and they told me to get ready for Wednesday's game so I kind of got an extra day to prep. I just made sure my shot felt good, got in the gym, made sure...I was taking care of my body."

- GG Jackson

While absent against New Orleans, it was quite apparent that the Grizzlies were missing Jackson's burst of energy and scoring prowess, as they ended up falling shy of scoring 90 points for the first time since November.

Considering he's already inked a new multi-year contract with the franchise, coupled with the fact that many have tabbed him as "the best-looking prospect" the team has seen since Ja Morant came aboard back in 2019, the hope moving forward is that Jackson will be a long-term fixture out on the wing.

Asked if he feels he's up to the challenge of taking over the main three role at some point down the road, the rookie acknowledged that he's confident in his abilities to do so.

"They've put the time and trust in me and I've repaid them with my work ethic and my performances on the court and stuff... I love it here. It's not too big of a city, not too small so I get to strictly focus on basketball. That's a blessing in and of itself. I can stay out of trouble and different things like that. I feel like if I continue on this path I can definitely be here long-term for sure."

- GG Jackson

Since becoming a regular within the rotation for the Grizzlies back in mid-January, Jackson has found himself posting impressive per-game averages of 13.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and just shy of a block while shooting 46.4 percent from the floor and 40.0 percent from distance.

Moving forward, the hope is that he can stay out of trouble and continue to grow as both a professional and a core figure within coach Taylor Jenkins' lineup.