Predicting the Grizzlies' perfect starting lineup after ideal offseason
By Will Eudy
Power forward: Jaren Jackson Jr.
That leads us right into our next ideal starter for next season. Jaren Jackson Jr. was easily Memphis' most available star player this past year, playing and starting in 66 games, the most of anyone who suited up for the team. For comparison, Desmond Bane played just over half the season at 42 games, Luke Kennard played 39 games, Marcus Smart 20, and Ja Morant just nine.
Simply being healthy and being able to step foot on the court each night was something Jaren had that nearly no one else could claim in 2023-24. Though he was playing with many new teammates each night and for most of the year not competing for anything of value, JJJ put together a very solid season. He put up a career-high points average with 22.5, along with a career-high 2.3 assists per night as well.
We can admit Jaren was not as much of a defensive monster as he has been in years past, and he was not honored to an All-Defensive team for the first time since the 2020-21 season. But when he has a full roster around him once again next season and has some extra motivation, JJJ should return to being one of the best interior defenders in the association.