Fansided

NBA Rookie Rankings: Luka Doncic starts out on top

By Rucker Haringey

DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 22: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during a game against the Chicago Bulls on October 22, 2018 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. 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 Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 22: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during a game against the Chicago Bulls on October 22, 2018 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. 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 Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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TARRYTOWN, NY – AUGUST 12: Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 12, 2018 in Tarrytown, New York.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 Elsa/Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NY – AUGUST 12: Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 12, 2018 in Tarrytown, New York.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 Elsa/Getty Images) /

3. Jaren Jackson, Jr.

When the Grizzlies spent the No. 4 pick on Jackson most thought it would be a solid boost to the team’s future. What they didn’t expect, was for Jackson to play such an integral role for Memphis from day one.

In fairness, J.B. Bickerstaff’s plan was to try to bring the young big man along slowly. JaMychal Green’s broken jaw pushed Jackson into the starting lineup. The results have been nothing short of awesome for the Grizzlies.

Specifically, Jackson is much further along offensively than anyone expected. He didn’t get many post up opportunities at Michigan State, but that’s changed drastically in the NBA. The lottery pick has flashed excellent footwork in the paint that’s allowed him to convert chances close to the rim against quality bigs or smaller players who get caught guarding him on the switch.

The question for Jackson is whether or not he can keep this sort of offensive play going. Even if he cools off a little bit, he’s still going to be an immensely valuable player for the Grizzlies this season. That probably won’t be enough to keep Memphis in the playoff race, but it gives them a great building block for the future.

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