Fansided

NBA Rookie Rankings: What’s Luka Doncic’s biggest weakness?

By Rucker Haringey

DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 07: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center on January 07, 2019 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. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 07: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center on January 07, 2019 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. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
SACRAMENTO, CA – DECEMBER 21: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on December 21, 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)
SACRAMENTO, CA – DECEMBER 21: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on December 21, 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) /

3. Jaren Jackson Jr.: Foul rate

When Jackson is able to stay on the floor for long stretches of time, the Grizzlies look like a fringe playoff contender in the West. When he gets stuck on the bench due to foul trouble, they look like a team in contention for the No. 1 pick in next year’s draft.

It’s rare to see a rookie contribute so much to his team’s fortunes, but Jackson has been that good when he’s been in the game. He’s averaging 13.4 points per contest on a true shooting percentage that remains over 60. He needs to improve his rebound rate at both ends of the floor, but he’s exceeded even optimistic expectations in Memphis.

The trouble is that Jackson is only averaging 25.4 minutes per game.  Some of that is due to JB Bickerstaff’s inexplicable rotations, but a lot of it can be attributed to Jackson’s propensity to pick up fouls at an alarming rate. Averaging 5.5 fouls per 36 minutes is a good way to make sure you’re on the bench for long periods of time.

The good news is that nothing about Jackson’s physical gifts require him to be so foul prone. His necessary adjustment is mental. Occasionally, Jackson might have to give up a drive when he’s caught out of position. Reaching in to try to cover up his error usually leads to a blown whistle.

Jackson’s big problem is infinitely fixable, but he needs to start showing signs of progression as the season goes along. If he doesn’t, it may be an issue that plagues him throughout the prime of his career. There’s a real danger that he’ll become a marked man for NBA officials.

Home/NBA