NBA Rookie Rankings: Luka Doncic and Jaren Jackson are pulling away

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 2: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies controls the ball against Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on December 2, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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SACRAMENTO, CA – OCTOBER 24: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on October 24, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Jaren Jackson Jr.

Let’s be honest, no one expected the Grizzlies to be in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race at this point in the season. Similarly, no one expected Jackson to adjust to life in the NBA as quickly as he has.

Those two points are not unrelated. The emergence of Jackson as an above average starter has been huge for J.B. Bickerstaff’s team. His scoring punch has given Memphis a legitimate third scorer in the starting lineup to help take the load off Marc Gasol and Mike Conley.

The most interesting recent development in Jackson’s performance is his three-point shot. He started the season out ice-cold from behind the line. He may never be a dead-eye shooter from deep, but his 3-point percentage has crept up to a very respectable 35.2 percent. If he keeps that up, he’s practically unguardable for opposing big men.

Jackson’s one big flaw at this point is his foul rate. He still gives away silly fouls early in games that come back to haunt him in the fourth quarter. If he can start to take fewer risks on defense, he should be able to ramp up his minutes. That could equal immediate stardom for the former Michigan State star.

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