NBA Power Rankings: One reason every team can be optimistic

By Ian Levy | Dec 18, 2018

BROOKLYN, NY - DECEMBER 3: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on December 3, 2018 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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MEMPHIS, TN – DECEMBER 15: Jevon Carter #3 and Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies react against the Houston Rockets on December 15, 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) /

Previous: 13th. Memphis Grizzlies. 13. team. 211. . 16-14

The arrival of Jaren Jackson Jr. an incredibly NBA-ready rookie with the unbelievably unique skill set of floor-spacer, rim protector AND face-up big, ensures that the Grizzlies will be interesting at least through next season, the last of Marc Gasol’s contract, and the year after that, the last of Mike Conley Jr.’s. It’s unlikely they break through for a title, but you never know and they seem likely to stay a playoff team over that stretch.

However, the real appeal is what Jackson offers for their future. He is still just 19 years old and over the next two years essentially every single contract on the team’s books will be turned over. Jackson Jr. is a foundational piece and he can help shape a new generation of Grizzlies basketball, one that could conceivably reach new heights the franchise has never seen before.

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