Grizzlies Insider: Can Jaren Jackson Jr.'s production stick?
Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) drives into Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, in Houston. (Michael Wyke/AP Photo)
There are positives for the Memphis Grizzlies, even in a season that continues to slip.
Jaren Jackson Jr. is on a tremendous run right now. In Wednesday’s loss to the Houston Rockets, he became the second player in franchise history to score 40 points in back-to-back games.
The only other Grizzlies player to do so is Ja Morant, two seasons ago.
But Jackson’s stretch of dominance goes beyond the beginning of this week.
Since the start of December (six games), Jackson is averaging 28.5 points. He is shooting the ball well from the perimeter, making 12 of his last 22 3-point attempts. He is also dominating on isolation looks in the interior, as he did against the Rockets and Dallas Mavericks.
What makes this momentum even more impressive is that it comes after a worrisome stretch of games that could have killed his confidence.
In the five games prior to his recent run of dominance, Jackson had shot just 26-for-75 overall (34.6%), including 3-for-20 from the 3-point line (15%), and averaged 15.6 points.
Let this week be a reassurance of all that he can bring. If this season has done anything, it is that. Grizzlies fans should feel confident about the core that is in place.
Of the team’s top three players (Jackson, Desmond Bane and Morant), all of whom signed big contracts, two have been highly impressive.
Morant will return from NBA suspension on Tuesday, Dec. 19, and will get his chance to do the same. But when the point guard returns, offensive opportunity for Jackson will surely decline.
That can be a good thing. Perhaps when Morant goes off the court, coach Taylor Jenkins can have confidence in throwing the ball to Jackson on the interior. It gives the Grizzlies more options at a time they desperately need offensive help.
But consistency will be the key. There’s still room for Jackson to improve in that area. He can’t let a decline in attempts change his impactful style.
Jackson dominated Dallas rookie Derrick Lively II. He scored with ease on Houston’s offensive-minded Alperen Sengun. He used a strength advantage against Kevin Durant.
But can Jackson keep this up when he takes on Rudy Gobert? Can he maintain pace when he plays against Jonas Valanciunas? Can he handle Anthony Davis?
In matchups against the Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Lakers, he’s shooting 16-for-53 (30%). To beat good teams, the Grizzlies need their core at their best.
That is the next step to unlocking another level to Jackson’s game.
A reminder: He is just 24 years old.
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Drew Hill
Drew Hill covers the Memphis Grizzlies and is a top-10 APSE winner. He has worked throughout the South writing about college athletics before landing in Memphis.
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