Next Man Up: G.G Jackson takes the challenge

At just 20 years old, G.G. Jackson is rapidly transforming from intriguing prospect into a legitimate offensive centerpiece for the Memphis Grizzlies. What began as flashes of potential has evolved into a growing expectation: when Memphis needs buckets, Jackson is increasingly the one they trust to deliver.

Jackson’s rise hasn’t come by accident. His scoring instincts have always been his calling card, over his L10 games he's averaging over 17.0 ppg while on the season shooting 49% from the field. This season he’s showing a more polished and confident offensive arsenal.

He’s attacking closeouts with purpose, shooting with range and rhythm, and displaying improved footwork in isolation situations. Perhaps most importantly, he’s learning when to assert himself. Young scorers often struggle with shot selection, yet Jackson’s recent stretch suggests a player beginning to understand tempo, spacing, and situational awareness — the subtle traits that separate volume scorers from true offensive leaders.

His emergence arrives at a critical moment for Memphis. With roster changes, injuries, and shifting rotations testing the team’s depth, Jackson’s ability to shoulder scoring responsibility has stabilized stretches of games that once slipped away. Coaches have taken notice, after last night's 133-112 loss to the Warriors in which Jackson put up a game high 24 pts along with 8 rebounds. During the postgame press conference,

Coach Iisalo praised Jackson's ability to get to the rim-calling it his super power which has enabled him to garner longer runs and more freedom within the offense. Teammates are also starting to look his way when possessions tighten late in quarters. That level of trust is rarely handed to a player this young unless the organization believes it has something special.

🚨BUZZER BEATER 🚨 @_ggjackson

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— Grind City Media (@grindcitymedia) February 26, 2026

The long-term outlook is where things become especially intriguing. Jackson fits the timeline of a franchise that still sees its competitive window ahead rather than behind.

His contract value, age, and upward trajectory make him exactly the type of player teams build around — not just because of points, but because of scalable skill. A scorer who can create his own shot, stretch the floor, and grow defensively is a foundational piece in today’s NBA landscape.

If development continues at this pace, Jackson won’t simply be a temporary scoring spark; he could become a pillar of Memphis basketball for years. The flashes are no longer hypothetical and for a franchise seeking stability and star power, G.G. Jackson’s evolution may be arriving right on schedule.