NBA 2018-19: Top 5 Potential Rookie of the Year candidates so far

#5 Jaren Jackson Jr.

Memphis Grizzlies v Brooklyn Nets

A 6’11 center drafted, by the Memphis Grizzlies 4th overall, in June 2018, Jackson ranks 5th among the rookie class this year. His development might be coming along slower than hoped, as the Memphis Grizzlies, recently signed Joakim Noah. Noah was waived and bought out, by the Knicks, in October.

However, Jackson Jr. has two great centers to learn his craft from, in Joakim Noah and Marc Gasol. It was widely expected that Jackson would be the best big man out, of the 2018 draft, but, so far, Deandre Ayton ‘s numbers are better.

At the moment, Jackson Jr. is averaging 13.4 points per game and 4.4 rebounds per game in 24 games, so far. At the moment, Jackson Jr. is averaging 25 minutes per game and shoots 51.5% from the field.

In recent matches, Jackson recorded 3 points in 15 minutes against the Pelicans. Against the Clippers, on December 5th, 2018 Jackson Jr. had 13 points in 21 minutes. On December 2nd, 2018 against the 76ers Jackson Jr. recorded 17 points in 23 minutes. Jackson Jr. needs to stay consistent to be the Grizzles option behind Marc Gasol at the center spot.