After three summer league games, Memphis Grizzlies forward GG Jackson has played the best game yet of his pro career. The rookie from South Carolina scored 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in a 83-96 loss vs the Utah Jazz. This is only Jackson’s third game in the league, and he showed his immense potential after only going no.45 in the draft. The youngest player in the NBA brings an intriguing play style that might soon prove to be valuable for Memphis moving forward.
Three Takeaways From GG Jackson’s Best Game Yet Of His Young Pro Career
Jackson Has An Elite Two-Way Potential
At only 18 years old, Jackson is a gifted scorer. He has proven to be an elite three-level scorer and shotmaker. Jackson scored in a variety of ways, including running in transition and pull-up and step-back treys. He also provided separation for himself and blew by defenders to drive to the rim. Moreover, Jackson used his NBA frame at such a young age to finish through contact and complete three-point play opportunities. On defense, Jackson utilized his 6’9 frame to grab 10 boards and block one shot. Although his individual and team defense is a work in progress, Jackson has the tools to become an elite defender. He has a 7-foot wingspan to alter shots at the rim while possessing the quickness to stay in front of smaller and quicker players.
Improving Three-Point Shot
After only shooting 32% on threes with 5 attempts per game in college, Jackson drilled 4/9 threes (44%) today. He did it in a multitude of ways: catch and shoot, off the dribble, and pulling up. Jackson even showcased complex moves including a jab-step flowing to a step-back three. This is a good sign considering his shot appetite includes a lot of threes. Jackson has the ability to translate his three-point game into the NBA with good results. If he can shoot like this consistently, this will make him an even more dangerous scorer.
Area of Improvement: Passing and Finding the Open Man
One area of improvement in Jackson’s game is his passing. Across three summer league games, he has yet to record an assist. Although he has a big upside as a scorer, Jackson has trouble locating the open man and finding them for assists. There have been multiple times in the game where he looked off open teammates and took the shot instead. Although he scored on most occasions, Jackson’s next step is to be able to make reads on the low man and being able to pass to an open teammate. This will allow him to be a triple threat on offense and move toward stardom in the NBA.
Last Word on GG Jackson
Although Jackson was not drafted where he would like it to be, he might have just found a home in Memphis. The Grizzlies are known to be an elite player factory and developing organization that can help raw but talented prospects like Jackson. Memphis’ knack for developing players together with Jackson’s potential might just bring forth a rising star in the league.
