When the Memphis Grizzlies took big man forward Jaren Jackson Jr with the fourth overall pick in 2018, the front office likely didn’t envision him potentially being the main reason they’re second in the Western Conference standings. The Michigan State product has been a phenomenal and steady force all season.
Jackson Jr. is averaging 23.2 points, 6 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 1.3 steals this season. He’s shooting 49.5% from the field, 36% from the three, and 77% from the charity stripe. In the thick of the early season injury woes, the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year has undoubtedly been the thrusting force behind the performance of the second-best team in the West. The level of play from Jackson Jr. has seamlessly shifted the minds of the Grizzlies’ front office as they plan for their offseason agenda.
How Jaren Jackson Jr’s Leap Has Swayed Front Office Priorities
JJJ’s two-way gifts and talent at the forward position made him a prime complementary running mate when the Memphis Grizzlies selected their superstar guard Ja Morant the following season. A brute defensive force that has an underrated touch around the basket has made the pairing nearly a flawless match. In the past, Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins would rarely depend on Jackson Jr. offensively in the same capacity as he would defensively. Jackson Jr has improved and tightened his handle. It’s enhanced his ability to counter as he navigates to the rack, making him a more viable scoring option. His respectable shooting stroke forces defenders to close out strong, making him a more complex cover. This season, he is shooting 38.1 3P% on catch-and-shoot three-pointers. He’s also one of three players this season who have totaled at least 100 3PM, 50 steals, and 50 blocks.
JJJ’s continued ascendance on the offensive side of the floor has contributed significantly to the Grizzlies’ league-leading scoring offense. But his impact defensively remains imminent and boundless. The Grizzlies pace a 106.4 defensive rating when JJJ graces the hardwood. This consistent level of two-way play has made it even more facile for the Grizzlies’ front office to build around Jackson Jr with competent plug-in-play assets. The former Spartan is 8th in Estimated Plus-Minus. He is also a part of four of the top five most productive four-man Grizzlies rotations this season. His steady, consistent level of play this season has further warranted more attention from the front office about his future in Memphis.
JJJ’s Future
Jaren Jackson Jr. is in the third year of the four-year/$104 million-dollar contract he signed with the Grizzlies front office back in 2021. His annual salary has decreased each season since. Before the season, Jackson Jr was eligible to extend for three years worth $106 million. His outstanding play for the Grizzlies has landed him in the running for numerous NBA accolades and potential incentive bonuses.
Jackson Jr. earned his second All-Star nod this season. In the All-Star Game, he chipped in four points, two rebounds, and assists each in 8 minutes for Kenny’s Young Stars. Jackson Jr will be eligible for a lucrative supermax contract if he makes an All-NBA team and or is named the Defensive Player of the Year. Morant and Desmond Bane are both locked in through 2027-28. GM Zach Kleiman and the Grizzlies front office still have time on the clock to properly assess Jackson Jr’s financial outlook as well as the rest of the Grizzlies’ roster. Unlike last year, that clock has begun ticking. Ultimately, it could be argued that JJJ is the center piece of the Grizzlies’ future.
Photo credit: © David Gonzales-Imagn Images
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