GG Jackson II has never been short on belief.

His recent comments made that clear. He sees himself as someone who is on the level of the league’s biggest names such as Kevin Durant, and that kind of self-confidence matters for a young player trying to carve out his place in the NBA. Confidence by itself only goes so far, but when it starts to show up in actual production, it means so much more.

Now in his third NBA season, the 21-year-old forward is playing the best basketball of his young career. Last season was difficult to build on in any meaningful way, as his campaign was delayed by a broken right foot suffered during the offseason and he ended up playing only 29 games. This year began unevenly too. Memphis had a crowded wing rotation, and Jackson was lost in the mix.

To his credit, he made sure that he did not stay stuck there and since the All-Star break, he has looked like a completely different player. 

Before the break, Jackson was averaging 9.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 18.7 minutes per game while shooting 48.2 percent from the field. Since then, he has raised those figures to 17.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 26.5 minutes per contest. His field goal percentage has also climbed to 50.4 percent despite taking more shots.

More importantly, the way he is getting his points has changed from his rookie season.

Jackson is making quicker decisions with the ball, getting to his shots with fewer wasted dribbles, and attacking the rim with purpose. He looks less hesitant and more certain of what he wants to do once he catches the ball. 

The changing circumstances in Memphis have only helped open the door further for Jackson. After the Grizzlies’ deadline moves and with the team clearly drifting toward the lottery, there is more room now for younger players such as him to take on real responsibility. Jackson has maximized the opportunity and now looks like a long-term piece for Memphis

Memphis still has major questions to answer moving forward, especially regarding star guard Ja Morant. Jackson may not answer all of them on his own, but he is one very real reason for those around this franchise to remain optimistic. 

Jackson’s self-confidence is paying off and no longer is it just loud, but it is starting to look deserved as well.