GG Jackson tried to sound like a savvy veteran who recalled a sage piece of advice he once heard from a former coach.
But his delivery of the story only underscored just how young the Grizzlies’ blossoming forward is, having turned 19 two months ago. It also reinforced how quickly he’s grasping the NBA game.
“My high school coach called me a sponge back in the day,” Jackson offered before quickly realizing how relatively recent it was. “Not back in the day, it was actually two years ago. I try to pick up on things as fast as I can. But not too fast, to make sure I get every little detail.”
For anyone thinking the Grizzlies enter this much-needed NBA All-Star break a broken team due to their astonishing number of injuries, well consider this: this journey has hit a bit of a joyride.
All things considered, the Grizzlies are riding into the break buoyed by arguably their two most impressive victories of the season in home wins over Houston and Milwaukee. What they displayed collectively on Wednesday and Thursday confirms there are two distinct paths entering the stretch run of a season largely derailed by injuries to frontline stars.
Along one track, with the Grizzlies (20-36) essentially out of the mix for the NBA playoffs this season, there’s a conservative approach that should be taken with recoveries. That means players such as Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart and Brandon Clarke – all either out indefinitely or for the rest of the season – should focus on returning to 100-percent health.
Along another track, with roughly two months remaining in the regular season, roster sponges such as Jackson, Vince Williams Jr., Lamar Stephens, Ziaire Williams and others can soak up crucial game experience that could define the next steps of their young careers.
The process has helped the Grizzlies shift from a painful reality to a positive mindset they’ve carried into the break and plan to maintain through the season’s final 26 games.
If the last two games were any indication, buckle up for a developmental thrill ride the rest of the way. The Grizzlies ended a season-long, nine-game losing streak with Wednesday’s win over the Rockets, and then followed with Thursday’s upset of the Bucks. In that game, Jaren Jackson Jr. joined Morant, Bane, Smart and others on the injury report.
The Grizzlies have recently relied more heavily on a mix of first and second-year players and prospects signed to Two-Way or 10-day contracts fighting for their fledgling NBA careers.
“Withstanding so much in this first half of the season, coming off a nine-game losing streak and to have victories like that on back-to-back nights, it’s super impressive,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said. “We’ve got a lot of belief in the guys that we’re bringing into the fold, even if it’s for the short term or long term within this season. But it’s definitely a juggling act.”
Several prospects continue to respond with historic, career or season-defining moments.
GG Jackson furthered his turn-of-the-calendar breakout in 2024 with his sixth consecutive game scoring in double figures when he matched his career-high of 27 points against the Bucks. In that performance, Jackson became the youngest player in NBA history to make six 3-pointers.
Over the past six games, the No. 45 pick from last summer’s draft has averaged 20.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks, mainly coming off the bench. Jackson gained praise from league MVP and champion Giannis Antetokounmpo after the Grizzlies’ youth unit held off the Bucks.
Williams, who was the No. 10 overall pick in the lottery three years ago, matched Jackson by also contributing a career-high 27 points Thursday. Jackson and Williams combined for 54 points to nearly offset the 59 points from All-NBA superstars Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
“Now, they’re confident,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said of how Jackson and Williams gained rhythm and were more assertive as the game progressed. “People forget that these guys have been stars somewhere in their life. Don’t remind them of that, and I thought we did that.”
In addition, Vince Williams Jr. went into the break with his third double-double of the season after finishing with 19 points, a career-high 12 rebounds and seven assists. It was the fifth straight game Williams registered at least seven assists, having taken on more playmaking responsibilities amid the team’s limited depth at point guard.
It’s that combination of upside and production that landed Vince Williams a spot in Friday’s Panini Rising Stars challenge in Indianapolis for All-Star Weekend festivities.
Meanwhile, forward Lamar Stevens is refusing to be overlooked. Acquired by Memphis at the trade deadline as part of a deal that sent center Xavier Tillman to Boston, Stevens may easily have been considered a throw-away in the trade because of his expiring contract.
Yet all the 6-foot-7, tough-minded Stevens has done when pressed into action was take on defensive assignments against Antetokounmpo, Alperen Sengun and Zion Williamson in a three-game stretch. Stevens has also scored in double figures all three of those games off the bench.
This collection of Grizzlies is producing results. This week marked the first time this season Memphis has won consecutive home games. There’s a spirited environment around the team as these younger prospects are rising to current challenges and opportunities.
“It’s pretty much all in front of them,” Grizzlies veteran Jaren Jackson Jr. said of role players taking advantage of increased responsibilities. “You don’t have to remind them. But at times, when we do, (Jenkins) does a good job of that, and I think they love it. You can tell by their motors, they’re not fazed by anything. That’s great to see.”
As a leader, Jaren Jackson insists the veterans maintain a supportive and positive attitude to keep the vibes right around the team. Even though postseason hopes may have faded heading down the stretch, there are encouraging signs developing into view.
There’s a standard to play to every night, regardless of the rotation.
And there’s an expectation to have fun along the way.
Consider it a commitment to the pursuit of progress, sans pressure.
“It’s beautiful to see,” forward Ziaire Williams said of his team’s breakthrough entering the weeklong break. “Proud of this team and how we compete and fight every game. One man falls down, another man steps up. And we’re having fun through it all. Can’t ask for more.”
Except to soak up every minute of these moments.
Just like a fellow sponge.