NBA: Josh Jackson Finally Gets Chance To Play With Grizzlies

Josh Jackson will finally get to show if he has gotten better in the G-League. The fourth pick of the 2017 NBA Draft has been recalled to suit for the Memphis Grizzlies following the injury to Grayson Allen. Allen fell awkwardly in their game against the Detroit Pistons and will be indefinitely out.

The Grizzlies have been one of the surprise teams this season. They currently sport a 22-24 win-loss record in the NBA Western Conference, enough to land the 8th spot. Considering their performance last season, they have so far managed to do better despite being in rebuild mode.

In a previous report, it was mentioned that Jackson could be of use to other teams like the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls have a hole in the small forward position with Otto Porter Jr. sidelined with an injury. Before the 22-year-old was suggested, other candidates for Chicago included Jeff Green and Maurice Harkless. With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching, the Bulls could pull the trigger on a trade.

For Memphis, all eyes will be on Jackson who averaged 20.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 26 games with the Memphis Hustle. The 6-foot-8 swingman still has plenty to prove, especially in the area of maturity, professionalism, and production. Memphis officially announced his recall on their official Twitter account.

The last time Jackson played an NBA game was with the Phoenix Suns last season. In 79 games, he averaged 11.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists per Basketball-Reference.com. The Grizzlies acquired Jackson in a trade for two future second-round picks from the Sun. De'anthony was also part of that trade on July 7, 2019.

The good thing about Jackson is that he is still young and can still improve. Contract-wise, Jackson is in the final year of the three-year deal worth $18 million that he originally signed with the Suns in 2018. He will become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

For Jackson, the chance to pay this 2019-20 NBA season could also help him gain the attention of other teams in the offseason. For as long as he can show improved play and maturity, the former Kansas Jayhawk cager could be of interest to teams rebuilding with a young core.