2021-22 Fantasy Basketball: Jaren Jackson Jr.

The Memphis Grizzlies selected PF/C Jaren Jackson Jr. with the fourth overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Injuries have plagued the start of his career but I believe he has the potential to be a 2021-22 Fantasy Basketball breakout candidate.

Despite an All-Rookie team selection during his first year in the league, he’s never consistently shown that he can be a superstar in the league. With budding superstar Ja Morant at his side, this season could be the one Jackon puts it all together.

The hype around Jaren Jackson is real and led to an average draft position (ADP) of 50 this season in Yahoo leagues. That makes him a top 20 center eligible player and a top 25 power forward eligible player.

Jaren Jackson Jr. is currently a top 40 player according to Fantasy Six Pack’s 2021-22 Fantasy Basketball Rest of Season Rankings.

Be sure to check out my previous 2021-22 Fantasy Basketball Player Profile on Toronto Raptors SG/SF Gary Trent Jr.

2021-22 Fantasy Basketball: Jaren Jackson Jr.

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Why hasn’t Jaren Jackson Jr. already become an All-Star?

Through his first three seasons in the league, he’s only played 58, 57, and 11 games. While injuries in his first two seasons were more minor, he tore his meniscus in the 2020 Bubble and was barely able to play during the ensuing 2020-21 season. 

Now that his injuries are behind him, Jackson Jr. will have every opportunity to get his career on track. The Grizzlies made it clear they believe in him when they signed him to a four-year, $105 million extension on Oct. 19th. 

The extension came on the heels of a strong preseason when he reminded the league why he was such a coveted first-round pick several years ago.

Jaren Jackson Jr's per 30 minute production in the preseason:

22.5 pts 9.1 reb 1.6 blk 4.4 3pm

💰💰 💰

— Fastbreak Breakfast (@fastbreakbreak) October 18, 2021

How’s he done so far this season?

Fast-forward to a few weeks into the 2021-22 season, and the results have been mixed. His rebounds, three-pointers, blocks, free throw percentage and turnovers have all been strong, but his points and field goal percentage have been borderline abysmal, at 12.7 and 30.3%. 

Even with such poor shooting, he’s ranked 82nd in terms of per-game 9-cat value. If he can get his field goal percentage up to his career average of 47%, he’d be up to around 16 or 17 points per game, if his attempts stayed steady. 

Especially considering the massive success of his running mate Ja Morant this season, who’s averaging almost 29 points and eight assists on incredible efficiency, Jackson Jr. will have plenty of space to improve his shot this season.

Folks that took Jackson Jr. between the 40s and 70s of their drafts this season have nothing to fear; be confident that he’ll be able to get his numbers back up across the board.

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Tune in for more Fantasy Basketball analysis this season!