When last season ended, the Grizzlies felt like they had their starting small forward for the future in the former 45th overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft GG Jackson. He finished his rookie season making the All-Rookie Second Team after averaging 14.6 points and 4.1 rebounds in 48 games played during the Grizzlies’ injury-riddled season.
He ascended past the pecking order of wings the team had when he was drafted as the likes of David Roddy and Ziaire Williams were either traded by last season’s deadline (Roddy) or traded later last summer (Ziaire). Jake LaRavia remained on the roster but GG Jackson’s ceiling is higher which likely led to the team’s decision to decline LaRavia’s option before the season, making him an unrestricted free agent this upcoming offseason.
Vince Williams Jr. had a successful year last season too but figured to be a temporary starter for this season potentially as GG continued to develop. Both players suffered pre-training camp injuries and have missed nearly all of this season, with Vince only playing three games. However, GG Jackson’s return appears close as ever with his stint with the Grizzlies’ G League affiliate.
GG Jackson made his season debut with the Memphis Hustle
GG Jackson began his rookie season on a two-way contract, spending most of his time with the G League’s Memphis Hustle before playing his final 44 games with the Memphis Grizzlies.
He played 22 games with the Hustle, averaging 20.2 points and 7.1 rebounds in the G Leagues’ Tip-Off Tournament (16 games) and 19.2 points and 8.0 rebounds in the Regular Season games before ultimately being called up to the Grizzlies for good and signing a standard contract in February 2024.
He appeared for the Memphis Hustle on back-to-back nights on January 15th and January 16th to get some playing time to help play his way back into shape as he recovered from the broken fifth metatarsal he suffered in September 2024.
GG Jackson loses his defender with the Fake! 👀
The @memgrizz draftee scored his first points for the @MemphisHustle on ESPN+. pic.twitter.com/ezW02Dj6L8
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) January 16, 2025
He finished the first night of the back-to-back set with 18 points, five rebounds, and one block on 5-16 shooting as he looked like a player that hasn’t played in a game since the Summer League last July. Catching his wind was important as he plays his way back into shape, which he prioritized for the next night.
He mentioned that former Grizzlies 10-day signee and teammate Zavier Simpson gave him advice about how to sneak beaths in between dead plays to help his stamina. Also, he mentioned that he drank some green tea the morning of the second game to help with his recovery.
GG Jackson is cleared for takeoff! 🛫
The @memgrizz draftee soars for the monster slam and is up to 17 points on assignment with the @MemphisHustle on ESPN+. pic.twitter.com/t1iMVbJ4xS
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) January 17, 2025
Well, the remedies worked as GG Jackson produced a stat line of 28 points, eight rebounds, and two steals on 8-15 shooting in his second game back on the court with the Memphis Hustle. After the game, he mentioned that he was supposed to return to the Grizzlies to prepare for their second game against the Spurs in San Antonio on January 17th but elected to remain with the Hustle because he needed a little more time to get ready.
All roads lead to GG Jackson making his season debut on Martin Luther King Jr. day at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Upon GG Jackson’s expected return, the Grizzlies’ only remaining players to return to a fully healthy roster will be Marcus Smart and Vince Williams Jr.
