The Memphis Grizzlies are navigating a franchise reset, but a 21-year-old forward is making the transition to the post-Ja Morant era less challenging than expected. GG Jackson has quietly emerged as one of the most intriguing young pieces in the NBA, and Tuomas Isalo isn't shy about what makes the former second-round pick (45th overall) so dangerous.
It's been hard to ignore the former South Carolina standout's averages of 17.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.7 steals/blocks while shooting 47.8% from three-point range since January 31. Jackson was posting almost the same numbers as a rookie in less pressure situations. However, his usage rate (23.3) and three-point volume (4.2 attempts per game) have skyrocketed since the NBA trade deadline, suggesting he may finally be established as an NBA veteran.
"I mean, (Jackson) has made huge strides throughout the season. We already talked about it with GG during his summer league that his superpower is paying off," Isalo explained. "He's doing a great job of touching the paint. His efficiency is at a career high right now. How he's getting things done in those situations is a testament to his hard work."
That sneaky-good ability to attack the rim with length, touch and growing confidence could prove vital as the Grizzlies transition into a post-Morant, post-Jarren Jackson Jr. era. While the franchise waits for its star guard to return from an elbow injury or chart a new path forward, Jackson's development offers the glimpse of a permanent scoring punch who may be capable of becoming an offensive center.
Isalo wants a traditional table-setting point guard. Slashers with size to absorb contact at the rim and shooting range should finish games, according to the Finnish tactician. Still, the Grizzlies will need someone to put pressure on defense to finish out this season. EVP Zach Kleiman is getting a lot of data suggesting the former first-round pick is ready for a bigger role and possibly a multi-year contract extension this summer.
“(Jackson) is playing very simple offensively,” Isalo insisted. "He's playing well off the puck and finding open guys. He's still got to toggle between aggression and the right amount of patience. Defensively, he's improved as an attack guard. There's still some things he needs to do better on the defensive end, being on a string, having defensive awareness, rebounding better for his position, but I think the steps he's taking are very encouraging, and becoming a real weapon offensively."
Being a 21-year-old NBA veteran with three seasons of experience is an odd situation to be in in the NCAA's void/portal era. Jackson had a stellar rookie season last year, capturing a title along with sealing the NBA Play-In Tournament, before taking a back seat to the Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane core. Still, he waited and took advantage of every opportunity. That patience and investment could pay off handsomely for everyone next season.
Isalo's priority is to see how many superheroes GG Jackson can become. After all he is still years away from his projected peak. A tall, athletic, paint-crashing wing who can stretch the floor and guard multiple positions fits perfectly into the franchise anchor position of the modern NBA. With the addition of Zach Eddy, Santi Aldama, Ty Jerome, Cedric Coward, Jaylen Wells and a gem point guard from the 2026 NBA Draft, Memphis will be ready to compete once again.
