5 most impressive rookies in NBA Summer League

5 most impressive rookies in Summer League

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns and Mohamed Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic look on during the game during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 06: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies watches a 2018 NBA Summer League game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Charlotte Hornets at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 6, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Hornets defeated the Thunder 88-87. 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. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

2. Jaren Jackson, Jr.

The young Grizzlies big man has made a ton of highlight plays during his run in both Summer Leagues. At the age of 18, that is a really good sign for Jackson’s ability to eventually turn into a star for Memphis.

Jackson announced his arrival during his first Summer League contest by going an eye-popping 8-for-13 from behind the arc. He shot the ball well for Michigan State during his college career, but there were serious questions about whether or not his awkward shot would succeed at the pro level. His shooting has cooled off quite a bit since the opener, but J.B. Bickerstaff and company have to be excited about how he can space the floor.

Defensively, Jackson has been a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, he’s shown the ability to make some tremendous chase down blocks. He’s got the length to really protect the rim. Unfortunately, his lack of defensive awareness doesn’t put him in position to block shots nearly often enough.

That’s something the Grizzlies can help him with though. He may not be a good defender as a rookie, but he still projects as an excellent switch guy and rim protector down the line. It’s simply a question of when, not if, he gets to that level.

Jackson gets the second spot here because he showed so many exciting skills. His consistency wasn’t always there, but at 18 years of age, that’s to be expected. He’ll play meaningful minutes in Memphis this year.

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