Zach Lowe is buying all the Jaren Jackson Jr. "stock"

The 2023-24 season was a lopsided one for Jaren Jackson Jr.

The Memphis Grizzlies big man put up nice stats but struggled amid the absence of Ja Morant. While it propelled him to a career-high average of 22.5 points per game, it was also abundantly clear he would be miscast as a team's No. 1 offensive option. His usage rate saw a major bump, reaching 30.4%, but his field goal efficiency decreased to 44.4%.

To make things worse, the added load on offense significantly altered his defensive powerhouse identity, as he failed to make the All-Defensive Team after two seasons of success in this category.

Out of Memphis' core trio - alongside Morant and Desmond Bane - Jaren played the most games (66) last season. But despite the gallant effort he poured into leading the team on both ends, he alone couldn't lift the Grizzlies out of a nightmarish season.

Zach Lowe optimistic about JJJ's in 2024-25

Despite the past season being rough for JJJ as he carried the burden of responsibility for the Grizzlies, one NBA expert has not lost his faith in the former NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

In the latest episode of his Lowe Post podcast, ESPN's Zach Lowe expressed optimism that last year was a learning experience for JJJ. Lowe believes Jackson Jr. will bounce in the upcoming season.

"Give me the Jaren Jackson Jr. stock. I'm taking it all," he said . "He's bouncing back, and bizarrely, the decline in his shooting percentage coupled with an increase in usage rate has me optimistic for his offensive play this year. I think both him and Desmond Bane were forced to stretch their offensive games pretty much beyond the breaking point without Ja Morant. … Now that they have their No. 1 creator on the team back, I think he'll get a more comfortable shot diet for themselves. "

"I'm betting on a big season for him," Lowe added. "I'm betting on the malaise and horrible Team USA hangover as part of the reason for his decline in defense last year. I'm optimistic on Jaren Jackson Jr."

JJJ is ready for a statement season

If anything, Jaren deserves even more credit for how he delivered despite all the external and internal struggles around him in the 2023-24 season.

Exhausted and crushed by his past outing with Team USA in last year's FIBA Basketball World Cup, JJJ mustered determination and perseverance to spearhead the Grizzlies amid a turbulent NBA campaign.

After a humbling year and a refreshing summer to rest and contemplate, Jackson Jr. - like his partner Morant - is hungry for success. Lowe is right to expect big things to unfold for JJJ as the Grizzlies gear up for a statement season.

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