(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The 2023-24 NBA season was a trainwreck for the Memphis Grizzlies who went from a projected playoff team to the bottom of the Western Conference.
Ja Morant served a 25-game suspension to begin the season for his involvement in multiple firearm incidents, but the superstar guard later suffered a season-ending shoulder injury that detailed Memphis’ playoff hopes.
Aside from Morant, several other of their key players got hurt which opened up playing time for the young pieces on the roster.
The most impressive rookie on the Grizzlies was GG Jackson, whom the team selected with the No. 45 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Jackson was the youngest player in the league and was expected to develop behind the scenes, but got thrust into the starting lineup after all the injuries and thrived in an elevated role.
Jackson caught the attention of the NBA landscape and got deserved praise from Paul George via Podcast P with Paul George.
“I like the kid GG Jackson,” George said. “I think he’s really good, he doesn’t get talked about enough for his rookie campaign. To be the youngest player in the NBA and still be productive.”
GG Jackson held his own while being the youngest player in the NBA
Salute @_ggjackson! pic.twitter.com/6oNvQz0Oom
— Podcast P with Paul George (@PodcastPShow) June 1, 2024
It’s incredibly tough for young rookies to have immediate success in the league, but Jackson showed he was ready for his opportunity as he quickly became an established scoring option on the floor.
Jackson isn’t slated to turn 20 until the middle of the 2024-25 NBA campaign, meaning he’s got plenty of upside and developing to go.
Last season may have been forgettable for the Grizzlies, but it looks like they unearthed a gem in Jackson.
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