Jenkins knows Jackson’s development as a leader is significant for the Grizzlies

Jaren Jackson Jr. has always been one of the standouts on the Memphis Grizzlies roster. He has been the team’s defensive cornerstone since he got drafted in 2018. JJJ has been rewarded for his prowess on that end of the floor with the Defensive Player of the Year award for the 2022/23 season.

Even if he is only 24, Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins expects a lot from his big man. The injury-riddled 2023/24 season was a sign of what’s to come for Memphis because they now have a JJJ that's ready to be a leader for the rest of the team.

“JJ’s handled all these recent growth opportunities beautifully. We’ve thrown a lot of things at him purposely, the nature of where the roster is at,” Jenkins said about Jackson’s growth as a leader to The Athletic. “And offensively, diversifying his point of attack on the interior and perimeter, bringing the ball up and running the offense through him. It’s more decision opportunities for him. He loves the challenge and the growth opportunity.”

Jackson is becoming more well-rounded

Most people would know JJJ as a shot-blocker in the paint, but he has improved on many dimensions of his game. He is more assertive on offense now to post up to pair with his ever-present perimeter shooting.

Now that he has made some strides as a leader, Jaren has become indispensable for the Grizzlies. He won’t just be a defender but also one of the most vocal players on the roster alongside Ja Morant and Desmond Bane.

The Grizzlies are still one of the youngest teams in the league, but having more leaders won’t hurt the team. Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose are the most respected players in the locker room, but having Morant, Bane, and Jackson step up as leaders is a good sign for the team.

Jackson is up for the challenge

Since this is a significant role, Jaren knows he has to adjust and step up for the rest of the team. The 2023 DPOY had to play center during the 2023/24 season, a huge change from what he was used to. However, that experience helped him because he became more fearless for more significant matchups.

“It’s a lot, man. You’re going against really big guys, physical guys. You gotta work on rebounding and turn around and have a cross-match and bring it up and do a bunch of stuff,” Jackson said in the same The Athletic piece. “I always know I have that in my game. Whether you get to use it is just a bonus. You work on your game because you love it, and if you get a chance to use it, great.”

With this approach to playing with more versatility and displaying better leadership, JJJ made massive strides toward improvement and being a star in his role. It will be a tough road ahead for the Grizzlies, but they can rely on Jackson being there.

Related: KG knew Jaron Jackson Jr. was special when he mentored him before the 2018 Draft