Coming off his second All-Star appearance, Jackson Jr. was given a five-year, $240 million contract extension this past offseason. During his time in Memphis, Jackson Jr. has consistently been one of the best defenders on the Grizzlies. In recent seasons, Jackson Jr. has also improved significantly as a scorer. However, he has gotten off to a difficult start in his 8th season with the Grizzlies.
Ever since Tuomas Iisalo took over in Memphis, Jaren Jackson Jr. has struggled to find a consistent rhythm on offense. For context, Jackson Jr. suffered an ankle sprain late last season and had surgery for turf toe during the summer. Ultimately, he has only missed two games this season and must return to his previous best soon.
Jackson Jr. must return to his previous best on both ends
Jaren Jackson Jr. averaged 22.5 points per game during the 2023-24 season and 22.2 points per game during the 2024-25 season. The hope was that his recent offensive growth would translate into this season, but that has not been the case. So far, Jackson Jr. is averaging just 17 points per game and has been significantly less involved on offense.
While Jackson Jr.'s shooting efficiency has remained largely similar to his previous bests, the lack of involvement is concerning. Jackson Jr. is currently averaging 13.4 shot attempts per game, three fewer attempts than last season. Another alarming trend is that Jaren Jackson Jr.'s free throw attempts per game are down from 5.4 per game last season to 3.8 this year.
The key to unlocking Jaren Jackson Jr. again offensively will be to not just get him involved more, but for him to be more aggressive inside the arc. With Zach Edey set to miss multiple weeks, Jackson Jr. will bear more offensive responsibility alongside Ja Morant. Jackson Jr.'s usage rate has fallen to 24.6% so far this season, but this upcoming stretch should result in him being used more offensively.
Previously winning the 2023 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award and making multiple All-NBA defensive teams, Jackson Jr. has built a reputation as an elite defender. Defense has still allowed him to be a valuable presence when he is on the floor, but foul trouble continues to plague him. Jackson Jr. has always dealt with foul trouble, but his four fouls per game are the second-highest of his career. Jackson Jr. must stay on the court, especially with Edey being set to miss multiple weeks.
Despite the slow start, Jaren Jackson Jr. is one of the most talented players on the roster for the Grizzlies. Jaren Jackson Jr. getting back to his offensive best will raise the Grizzlies' ceiling significantly. Edey's absence will be a massive blow for the Grizzlies, but Jaren Jackson Jr. returning to his previous best can help the team finish December strong.