After getting his legs underneath him, the Memphis Grizzlies have recalled second-year forward GG Jackson II from the Memphis Hustle, their G League affiliate. Across three standout performances, Jackson II averaged 20.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.0 steal per game for the Hustle, shooting 36.8 percent from three. The presumption is that Jackson will make his season debut on Monday, when the Grizzlies take on the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Grizzlies’ GG Jackson II Set To Make Season Debut
As he tallied 27.0 minutes per game during his G League assignment, he may not have to worry about a playing time restriction when he returns. Furthermore, several Grizzlies players remain out, including Vince Williams Jr. and Marcus Smart. However, there should be more clarification about his role when Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins has the chance to address the media.
The @memgrizz have recalled GG Jackson II from the @MemphisHustle.
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) January 19, 2025
All that can be sure is Jackson II is a player who many want to see do well. Perhaps even more importantly, he’s one that they believe in.
As a rookie, Jackson II put on a show, averaging 14.6 points per game. Despite being the 45th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, he has the third-highest career scoring average in his class. Indeed, only San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama (22.5 PPG) and Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (18.3 PPG) –who went No. 1 and No. 2 in the draft –have been more potent scorers. After the 2024 All-Star Break, Jackson II was particularly sensational, averaging 17.6 points per game.
He’s skilled enough to score off-ball or off-the-dribble. He’s fluid enough to be a threat in the halfcourt and open court. Jackson II’s also supremely confident, which is a necessary trait for a go-to option.
That isn’t to say that he’s guaranteed to be a featured scorer in the immediate or near future. However, he has traits and mental makeup that many such players have had. His defensive upside, partially a byproduct of his physical tools, also lends itself to his star potential.
Jake LaRavia Trade Brewing?
When Jackson II gets back in action, it may impact Jake LaRavia‘s minutes the most. Though LaRavia has played admirably this season, the 2022 No. 19 pick isn’t considered to be one of their core players. He also happens to be a second unit combo forward, the same role that Jackson II is expected to play.
Like the Cleveland Cavaliers, this logjam could actually lead to the Grizzlies considering a way to consolidate multiple players’ salaries. In fact, when the Grizzlies tried to make a trade for Dorian Finney-Smith, they reportedly offered the Brooklyn Nets both Luke Kennard and John Konchar. A package featuring LaRavia rather than Konchar, who has played sparingly over the past two seasons, might be more enticing .
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