Grizzlies young stud selected for ESPN's "most interesting sophomores" list

The bright side of the very dark year the Memphis Grizzlies had last season was 19-year-old GG Jackson II.

With core players—Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Marcus Smart—banged up by injuries throughout the 2023-24 campaign, coach Taylor Jenkins called on his teenage rookie to deliver.

GG made the most of his opportunities. He averaged 14.6 points, 4.1 boards, and 1.2 assists across 41 games and was named a member of the All-Rookie Second Team. Selected by Memphis with the 45th pick of the 2023 NBA draft, he came out of nowhere to become one of the most promising prospects of his rookie class.

What GG demonstrated in 41 games as a rookie led to his includsion in ESPN's list of most intriguing NBA sophomores , which was created by Jeremy Woo.

"At 19, he's still younger than many players in the 2024 rookie class," Woo wrote about Jackson II. "He's athletic and covers ground defensively; he can create shots, space the floor, and rebound."

GG's questionable shot selection and tunnel vision

Woo was impressed with how Jackson II broke through in Memphis. He is excited to see whether the young forward's growth will continue when he shares the floor with Morant, Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr.

However, Woo sees Jackson II as a raw, unfinished product, a work in progress. "Shot selection, turnovers, and general tunnel vision have been his weaknesses," Woo wrote. "He might be talented enough to overcome that, but the adjustment is ongoing."

Being in the top 10 most interesting second-year players is an incredible turn of events for Jackson II. He began last season as a forgotten rookie and spent much of the first months as a pro playing in the G-League for the Memphis Hustle.

More importantly, it shows GG is seen as a potential long-term piece for the Grizzlies.

To become a star, first be an effective role player

As Woo and many other NBA analysts noticed, Jackson II has the tools to develop into a three-level scorer who is efficient from three-point land and the mid-range and always a threat to attack the rim.

However, taking the next step towards stardom requires that GG believe in and embrace coach Jenkins' vision for the team. To eventually become a star, he must be an effective role player in the 2024-25 campaign and shine when the opportunities come.

As the Grizzlies set on a mission to become a championship contender again, they will need all the help they can get. If GG continues his growth and becomes a reliable contributor, he can secure a place in the team's starting lineup. The emergence of GG can make last season's nightmare a blessing in disguise.

Related: Ranking the best seasons in Grizzlies franchise history