Memphis Grizzlies pick GG Jackson with 45th pick
The Memphis Grizzlies take talented young wing GG Jackson from South Carolina with the 45th pick.
With the 45th pick, the Memphis Grizzlies select GG Jackson, South Carolina, Forward
Measurements: 6’9”, 6’11.5” wingspan
Age: 18 years old
Stats: 15.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.8 blocks. Shooting splits of 38.4/32.4/67.7 on 14.4/5.3/3.9 volume splits.
Per-36 (via Tankathon): 17.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.9 blocks, 0.8 steals
Mock Draft placement: 40 - Lakers (ESPN), 36 - Magic (Tankathon), 33 -Spurs (The Ringer), 37 - Nuggets (No Ceilings), 27 - Hornets (NBA Big Board), 41 - Hornets (The Athletic), 20 - Rockets (The Box and One), 28 - Jazz (Bleacher Report)
Big Board placement: 33 (ESPN), 42 (Tankathon), 39 (The Ringer), 29 (No Ceilings), 34 (Mavs Draft), 36 (The Athletic), 20 (The Box and One)
Quick Intro: GG Jackson was a polarizing prospect. He reclassified into the 2023 class as a guy that could’ve been in contention for the 1st pick next year’s draft. Instead, inconsistency and his subpar production in other categories hindered him in his freshman year — reminder: he started college ball at 17 years old. As a result, his stock fell, and the Memphis Grizzlies are the team taking a shot on him.
Fit with the Grizzlies: GG Jackson will likely be on a two-way for the Memphis Grizzlies, but this is a really sneaky “pre-draft” pick. He’s incredibly young, but he possesses tons of upside as a shot creator — something the Grizzlies don’t really have at his size. With a redshirt year with the Memphis Hustle, he can season his game to refine his skillset and grow as an overall player to couple with his intriguing scoring instincts. He’ll be competing with the likes of Ziaire Williams, David Roddy, Vince Williams Jr., and Jake LaRavia as young prospects vying to be in the team’s long-term wing rotation.
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Quick Thoughts: I wasn’t the highest on GG Jackson, but his talent is undeniable, and something worth taking a flier on with the 45th pick. I’ll be interested to see how he grows with this team.