GG Jackson has turned in a productive rookie campaign with the Memphis Grizzlies, and his head coach revealed on Saturday some of the next steps in his development.
Jackson, who is the youngest player in the NBA, started the season in the G League with the Memphis Hustle. He eventually entered the rotation in mid-January as the Grizzlies were battered by injuries, and he has become a key rotation player for Taylor Jenkins.
The 45th pick is averaging 15 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists on 36.6% shooting from 3-point range in 35 games since Jan. 12. He is fourth among the rookie class in scoring average (13.3) and 15th in rebounding (3.8) on the season.
Jenkins named one area of focus for Jackson this summer.
He and I have been talking about what his body is getting exposed to right now (with) the amount of minutes he is playing and having durability and endurance, so that is something he is definitely going to have to focus on in the offseason.
With the Grizzlies (24-50) eliminated from postseason contention, the team will continue to put Jackson in different situations to grow his overall game. The coaching staff wants to see him guard different players, such as guards and some of the bigs in the league.
On the other end of the floor, the Grizzlies want Jackson to learn their system further and make plays on and off the ball. They like how he has shot from beyond the arc and his ability to drive into the paint and finish strongly at the rim.
Jackson is one of seven first-year players with multiple 30-point games, including a career-high 35 points and five rebounds on March 20. He has scored in double figures in 10 consecutive games, his longest streak of the season.
The team is happy with his progress and willingness to learn.
“He is doing a good job of responding,” Jenkins said. “As I’ve openly told him: ‘You’re going to have your great moments, and you’re going to have your mistakes, and the fact that you’re just trying to be willing to learn and get better is going to pay dividends moving forward.'”
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