GG Jackson was thrust into the spotlight with the Memphis Grizzlies and coach Taylor Jenkins believes the rookie has capitalized on his recent opportunity.
Jackson spent the majority of the season in the G League with the Memphis Hustle. He returned to the Grizzlies in mid-January and has been a key player for the team since, mostly as a reserve.
He is providing a spark with his energy and scoring ability. The 45th pick is averaging 13.7 points and four rebounds on 38.5% shooting from 3-point range in 23 games since joining the rotation on Jan. 13. He has produced five 20-point games in that span, including a career-high-tying 27 points on Feb. 15.
Jenkins explained Monday what he has seen with Jackson.
Just constant growth. He is super coachable. (His) first year in the league. (He) obviously spent the first half of the season with the Hustle and was learning a lot just about the lifestyle of being in the NBA and learning at the G League level but then thrust into the lineup. He has kind of run with the opportunity ever since. I think he has got great potential on both sides of the floor. He has got an ultimate care factor.
The organization rewarded Jackson by upgrading him to a standard contract worth $8.5 million over four years. He has proved a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season for the Grizzlies amid injuries to several key players.
Jackson has sought to form a strong connection with his teammates and looks to be getting more comfortable each game. He has impressed in his expanded role and appears to be a player the team can keep long term in the backcourt.
Of course, there are areas of his game the team hopes will improve. Jenkins is challenging him on the defensive end to better understand certain matchups and rotations and is encouraged by his progress to this point.
“We have certain things that we really prioritize defensively that we want to showcase in his development,” Jenkins said. “I think he is doing a great job making mistakes but then immediately trying to correct it the next possession and the next game. It is all just part of his overall development in Year 1 and I think he has made some significant strides.”
Note: Sharif Phillips-Keaton of Nets Wire contributed to this story
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=650261141]