Jaren Jackson Jr. has steadily emerged as the most reliable player on the Memphis Grizzlies. While Ja Morant remains the team’s most electrifying star, his availability issues have created uncertainty about his long-term future with the franchise. Jaren Jackson Jr continues to prove his value on both ends of the court, earning accolades and setting new career highs, amid Ja Morant’s unreliability.
Grizzlies Midway Notes: A Jaren Jackson Jr./Ja Morant Gamble
Jackson was named the NBA’s Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month for December 2024 and followed that up by winning the Western Conference Player of the Week in January 2025. These honors highlight his dominance on both ends of the floor, as he led Memphis to a 4-0 record with averages of 25.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game during that stretch.
His consistency has been critical for the Grizzlies, especially as Morant has struggled to stay on the court. While Morant’s talent is undeniable, Jackson’s availability and production are making him the team’s most dependable cornerstone.
Jackson’s Defensive Excellence Sets Him Apart
Defense wins championships, and Jackson has already proven he can be the foundation of an elite defensive team. The 2023 NBA Defensive Player of the Year continues to anchor Memphis’ defense, leading the league’s highest-scoring team while maintaining elite rim protection.
In December 2024, Jackson earned his first monthly Defensive Player of the Month award, an indication that his two-way impact led to consistent winning. His ability to guard multiple positions and serve as a shot-blocking presence makes him one of the best defenders in the NBA. Even Anthony Davis, a generational defender, has never won a Defensive Player of the Year award. That alone speaks to Jackson’s unique skill set.
This season, he is averaging a career-high 23.0 points per game along with 6.0 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 1.3 steals. He has maintained an impressive 59.6% true shooting percentage while attempting 5.3 three-pointers per game. Unlike Morant, Jackson has been consistently available, playing at least 65 games in three of the last four seasons.
Morant’s Uncertainty Casts Doubt on His Future
Morant is still the face of the franchise in many ways, but his inability to stay on the court raises questions about his long-term future in Memphis. Morant has not played 65 games in any of the last five seasons and has already missed significant time in the 2024-25 campaign.
His absence has forced the Grizzlies to rely more on Jackson, and the results have been promising. Memphis currently sits near the top of the Western Conference standings, with Jackson leading the way. If Morant misses more time or the team fails to make a deep playoff run, speculation about a possible trade could intensify.
NBA insider Howard Beck recently suggested that Morant’s future in Memphis isn’t as secure as it once seemed. “Teams pivot faster than you think,” Beck said. “For everything we know publicly, there’s always more happening behind the scenes.” While there is no imminent trade buzz, it’s clear that Memphis must consider all options if Morant’s availability continues to be an issue.
Could Jaren Jackson Jr Replace Ja Morant as the Face of the Franchise?
Morant’s star power is undeniable, but Jackson’s combination of two-way dominance, durability, and leadership is making him the Grizzlies’ most reliable building block. If Memphis wants stability, they may have to consider fully leaning into Jackson as their franchise player.
At just 25 years old, Jackson is entering his prime and improving every year. He has already proven he can lead the team to wins without Morant, and if he continues this trajectory, the Grizzlies may eventually have to choose between their two stars.
Memphis has built around Morant for years, but Jackson’s steady rise could change the equation. If Morant can’t stay on the floor, the franchise may have no choice but to shift its focus toward Jackson as the centerpiece of their future.
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