Erupting roars and chants were echoed all over Fedex Forum, anticipating the return of swing forward GG Jackson II on MLK Day. The Memphis Grizzlies edged the Minnesota Timberwolves 108-106 Monday afternoon after a furious fourth-quarter rally led by stars Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane. GG Jackson chipped in four points on a couple of made-field goals in 11 minutes played. As impressive as it was for the Grizzlies to march their way back into the physical contest versus the Wolves, at times throughout the game, it felt as if their half-court offense resorted to isolation-heavy basketball. Jackson’s role versatility on the offensive end at the forward position can simplify the Grizzlies’ offense and take it to another level.
How GG Jackson’s Return Amplifies Morant, Half-Court Offense
The timing of GG Jackson’s return couldn’t have come at a better time. With the trade deadline drawing closer and closer, Taylor Jenkins gets a quality outlook on what his playoff rotation might look like. Indeed, Jackson’s role as a scorer, shooter, and rebounder only strengthens what’s already considered maybe the deepest roster in the league. Furthermore, his role versatility can only make half-court actions more problematic for opponents. The Grizzlies are fresh off a mini four-game road trip in which they finished 3-1. Overall their injury report is getting thinner and thinner and their chemistry will only improve exponentially.
Taylor Jenkins Praises GG Jackson
Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins had some encouraging words for his second-year forward after their home win. Here’s what he had to say;
“The game was going just wanted to inject some new energy out there. I actually hadn’t had him [GG Jackson II] planned to be in the rotation right out the gate just gotta stay ready, so, that’s what I told him. But when he went in there he was playing with great effort… I actually thought defensively he was doing a good job with his point-of-attack defense, small doses. But his awareness of going in and rebounding and you know him guarding perimeters was a big focus last year, and then, I think tonight he was having to guard [Julius] Randle or [Naz] Reid you know bigger guys so it was kind of a lot thrown at him you know on the fly, and I thought he handled it very well.”
Jackson Fueling Grizzlies’ Offense
GG Jackson’s rare combination of size, fluidity, touch, and shooting ability gives the Grizzlies offense an additional dimension. Secondly, GG Jackson’s return will take an additional load off of franchise star point guard Ja Morant. Morant is averaging 7.5 assists per game this season. Among all the players who are handing out at least seven dimes this season, Morant posts the second-best box plus-minus. When Morant is on the court, the Grizzlies post a 118.1 offensive rating.
Morant and GG’s Two-Man Game
Morant has been superb at getting his teammates involved, the Grizzlies’ pick-and-roll game doesn’t feel as unguardable as in years past. However, Morant is generating only 0.81 PPP (points per possession) in the pick-and-roll this season. That mark ranks in the 37.6 percentile. For context, Jalen Suggs, Ty Jerome, and RJ Barrett all have superior marks. The jarring metric may be due to the up-and-down availability of the Grizzlies. On the other hand, it may also be due to increased scouting of Morant’s strengths in the paint. Nonetheless, GG Jackson’s role versatility as a screener, catch-and-shoot, and initiator may unclog some Grizzlies’ half-court possessions when the tempo slows down. This is an intricate component to keep an eye on as tempo inevitably slows down in the postseason.
Jackson’s isn’t just regarded as a plus because of additional depth and talent. In fact, because of all of the impactful ways he can help the team on both sides of the floor, this is a bigger deal than at first glance. Similar to wing teammate Vince Williams Jr., Jackson can alleviate other teammates and give the Grizzlies multiple identities. Not too many Western Conference foes enjoy this luxury, especially with it coming from a talented teenager who is coming into his very own. I wouldn’t be shocked if a momentous run is made before the All-Star break.
