Look, if you had one shot or one opportunity to seize everything you ever wanted in one moment would you capture it or just let it slip?
The intro to Eminem’s Lose Yourself may have come straight out of a movie and that’s how GG Jackson II must have felt as his NBA career unfolded last season.
Initially a two-way player for the Memphis Grizzlies, Jackson II was supposed to take the developmental route through the Grizzlies’ NBA G-League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle and in a few games with the Grizzlies. But injuries led Memphis to call up Jackson II, and he did not shy away from the spotlight he was thrust on.
Even as the youngest player in the NBA last season (younger than even Victor Wembanyama, Bilal Coulibaly, and Cam Whitmore) Jackson II wasted no time in introducing himself. He was the breath of fresh air Grizzlies fans needed during a time when their stars were out and any hopes for a postseason trip were all but close to zero. With their eyes toward the future, it was great to see someone who could be a part of it.
Jackson II’s approach and the joy with which he plays the game was also great to see.
It would be surprising if we see less of Jackson II, especially after he signed a four-year, $8.5-million contract a month after he stepped into Memphis’ rotation. With the Grizzlies likely to be at full strength this season, the 2024 NBA All-Rookie Second Team selection has been getting more reps in summer league. He will likely share time with Jaren Jackson Jr., Santi Aldama, rookie Zach Edey, and Brandon Clarke so he is taking every chance to repay the faith Memphis’ front office and coaching staff have placed on him.
Jackson II helped lead the Grizzlies all the way to the NBA 2K25 Summer League Finals, with his experience and leg up on much of the competition very much evident. With averages of 22.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in six summer league games, Jackson II was not only allowed to play the entire summer league campaign, but he was also able to show his abilities despite playing for nothing but bragging rights (and a summer league trophy). Normally, teams protect star rookies and sophomores by limiting them to just a game or two in summer league, but Memphis let the 19-year old go all out. Judging by the results, the Grizzlies should definitely be happy.
It’s a refreshing sight, especially in a league dominated by load management even at the summer league level. Fans get to see how some of their younger players have grown after a season or two, while players get to ball out and get extra reps ahead of the next season.
Going forward, it will be interesting to see how Jackson II handles a full 82-game season since he featured in 54 games in both the NBA and the G-League compared to the 70 or so games Wembanyama, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Brandon Miller played. Playing a full summer league could help, but his offseason work as a whole will be critical in preparing his body for the grid that is the NBA regular season. The apprehensions are there given the injury history of some of his teammates, but the hope is that Jackson II’s youth will help him avoid that and recover quickly should any injury arise.
The opportunities GG Jackson will get this upcoming season will be different from the ones he got last year. He’s an incoming sophomore, a known commodity joining a healthy Memphis Grizzlies squad. Nonetheless, look for him to attack and seize any chance he can to make an impact with the Grizzlies and help them get back on track.
Best believe he won’t take anything for granted.
