LONDON — GG Jackson’s Journey in the NBA

GG Jackson has notable talent—his scoring instincts, physical tools, and an improving understanding of the game definitely stand out. But, when it comes to accents, let’s just say he might not have the same finesse. Before we dive into his growth in Memphis, it’s worth noting that while Jackson is developing his NBA skills, some aspects remain a work in progress.

Throughout his trip, Jackson radiated a positive vibe, mixing his friendly openness with a sharp sense of professionalism. He seemed at ease in his surroundings, showing maturity that’s impressive for someone early in their NBA career. In the bustling environment of NBA Europe, where routines often get upended, he chose to embrace the experience, treating it as another chance to learn and represent his team.

This past season was a lesson in patience for Jackson, both for him and the Grizzlies’ fans. They had caught glimpses of his scoring ability early on, but this year has been a process of waiting for consistent playing time, which has been, well, a bit frustrating at times.

His 2024-25 season hit a snag due to a fractured fifth metatarsal in his right foot, limiting him to just 29 games. However, Jackson’s offseason began ahead of most players.

“Well, guys like me, Jalen (Wells), Cam (Spencer), we all came back a little earlier than the others,” Jackson mentioned. The focus? Defense.

“For me, it was mostly about defense. That was a big deal last year. I had certain responsibilities on the court, and I didn’t want to shy away from that. As a second-round pick, I realize that defense is crucial if I want to stay on the floor,” he added.

This kind of self-awareness has guided Jackson’s growth. The Grizzlies’ coaching staff took their time with him, despite his evident offensive talent. They focused on habits that can withstand the pace of the NBA. Head coach Tuomas Isalo candidly discussed how the development of young players is seldom a straight line.

“The real transformation started more recently, but he was grinding in the gym all summer,” Isalo noted. “As a young player, you often want instant results. But, well, it doesn’t always happen like that.”

There were moments when Jackson executed well but didn’t see immediate rewards. It was intentional—no guaranteed rotation, limited output.

“Even when GG was doing everything right, rotation times and production didn’t reflect it,” Isalo explained. “That’s why it was essential for him to work hard in the G League, where he gained valuable reps and a fresh burst of confidence.”

Now, that confidence is evident in both his performance metrics and Memphis’ lineup stats. Jackson has drastically improved as a finisher, hitting 78 percent of his attempts at the rim—up from 50 percent last season. It’s not just about finesse; it’s about a more aggressive approach. Speaking of adjustments after his injury, Jackson said, “Coach Thomas emphasized being aggressive yet patient to everyone. My dad always told me my strength was going downhill. After rehab, I added some weight to use it more effectively, instead of just hanging out by the three-point line. My dad’s not happy about that,” he chuckled.

Some truths are universal, right? Few things weigh heavier than disappointing your dad.

Jackson did show some bright moments in London, making determined moves off the dribble and executing well-timed cuts.

As a top player in high school and at the University of South Carolina, Jackson excelled with the ball in his hands. But we all know that the transition to the pros is seldom smooth. Still, he’s showing signs of adaptation. Take a look at how he cuts with intent and finishes strongly at the rim.

His downhill pressure has noticeably altered Memphis’ offense when he’s on the court. The Grizzlies sport a +9.2 offensive rating with Jackson, marking the best offensive impact by any player on the team this season. That’s significant for a young player still building trust.

Jackson’s defensive growth has been even more impressive. He has doubled both his block and steal rates from last season, now ranking above the 80th percentile in both categories. This leap reflects the careful approach he’s adopted.

When asked if his development stemmed from game film or on-court practice, Jackson emphasized a mix of both.

“It’s a blend, but attention to detail is key,” he said. “Your legs don’t have to be at the perfect angle, but understanding what others might do and knowing your limits is crucial.”

The shooting aspect is still taking shape. At first glance, his 29% shooting may seem underwhelming, but there are positive indicators. He’s hitting 52% of his corner threes, although just 15% since the break. Given his career average of around 34% on above-the-break attempts, there’s hope that number will stabilize as more games are played.

More importantly, he’s established a functional role. He’s not merely a scorer waiting for the ball; he’s contributing on defense, cutting, and enhancing Memphis’ overall flow.

“He’s found a great niche and is genuinely evolving as a player,” Isalo remarked.

For Jackson, this current phase isn’t just about proving he belongs in the long term; it’s more about earning trust in the present. The effort he’s shown—from pre-summer workouts to his time in the G League to his growing minutes in the NBA—is beginning to show results.

In his recent games in Berlin and London, Jackson notched 22 points on 8-of-13 shooting, finishing with a cumulative plus-28 point total. While scoring is often the spotlight, it’s not the only metric. His willingness to impact possession, not solely through ball-handling but also by running harder, making quick secondary decisions, and engaging as a cutter and screener, speaks volumes.

On the defensive end, he’s also showing growth, staying more connected off the ball, orchestrating tighter rotations, and demonstrating the motor to remain engaged. It may not be flashy, but it serves a purpose—especially for players whose offensive skill sets are still in development. Often, this kind of functional defense can be the difference between securing a role or not.

If the current trends persist, these games might be less about a sudden breakthrough and more about the natural progression that’s been quietly happening all year.