2025-26 Season Performance
Jaren Jackson Jr. is contributing significantly to the Memphis Grizzlies' roster in the 2025-26 season. He averages 18.0 points per game, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, showcasing his role as a key offensive and defensive contributor. His 47.8% field goal percentage demonstrates solid efficiency from the floor.
Jackson's defensive metrics remain a strength, with 1.2 blocks per game and 0.9 steals per game. These numbers reflect his continued importance on the defensive end for Memphis, maintaining the versatility that has defined his professional career since being drafted fourth overall in 2018.
College Career and Draft History
Jackson's path to the NBA began at Michigan State University, where he declared for the 2018 NBA Draft after his freshman year. During his single season with the Spartans, he earned 2017-18 Big Ten Rookie of the Year honors and made both the Big Ten All-Defense and Big Ten All-Freshman teams. He led Michigan State in blocks with 3.0 per game while contributing 5.8 rebounds and 10.9 points per contest.
Before college, Jackson established himself as a high school standout, leading Park Tudor High School to back-to-back Indiana Class 2A state championships in 2014 and 2015. As a prep senior, he transferred to La Lumiere and led the team to a 29-1 record and the MaxPreps Independent Top 10 National Championship, demonstrating the elite-level talent that would lead to his early NBA selection.
Role with Memphis Grizzlies
Jackson has been a consistent presence for the Grizzlies since being drafted in 2018. His combination of scoring ability, rebounding, and defensive versatility makes him a valuable asset in the team's rotation. The 6'10" forward provides flexibility in Memphis's frontcourt and contributes across multiple statistical categories.
The Grizzlies currently sit at 13-15 in the Western Conference standings. Jackson's recent performances have shown positive trends, with elevated scoring and rebounding numbers in recent games, indicating his importance to the team's competitive efforts throughout the 2025-26 season.