Fansided

NBA Draft 2018: 5 best fits for Jaren Jackson Jr.

By Rucker Haringey

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 16: Michigan State Spartans forward Jaren Jackson, Jr. (2) looks to the bench during the NCAA Division I Men's Championship First Round basketball game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Bucknell Bison on March 16, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 16: Michigan State Spartans forward Jaren Jackson, Jr. (2) looks to the bench during the NCAA Division I Men's Championship First Round basketball game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Bucknell Bison on March 16, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
MEMPHIS, TN – APRIL 8: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts to a play during the game against the Detroit Pistons on April 8, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – APRIL 8: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts to a play during the game against the Detroit Pistons on April 8, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Memphis Grizzlies

Everyone in Memphis was disappointed when the lottery Gods went against them and they dropped to the No. 4 pick. It’s very possible Jackson Jr. will be their consolation prize when draft day rolls around.

As a player, Jackson Jr. could be an excellent addition to the Grizzlies front court. Marc Gasol is still a competent defender, but he’s starting to show signs of aging on that end of the floor. Adding a defender like Jackson Jr. to help cover up some of his deficiencies could drastically improve the team’s defense.

Jackson Jr. also has the skills to play alongside JaMychal Green when Gasol is off the floor. In fact, that combination might provide Memphis with their most effective defensive lineup. Playing those two versatile bigs together would allow the Grizzlies to switch everything on defense. They’d give up some scoring without Gasol on the floor, but it would be an interesting tradeoff.

Memphis is probably hoping that Luka Doncic will fall to them at No. 4, but if he doesn’t, Jackson Jr. has a great shot at being the selection. He may not be ready to get the Grizzlies back into the playoffs next season, but he would be a solid building block for their future.

Home/NBA Draft