Jaren Jackson Jr. Hits Major Milestone Amid Season Struggles for Grizzlies
Friday night was a rough one in Memphis. The Grizzlies dropped a disappointing home game to the Utah Jazz, and Jaren Jackson Jr. continued a cold stretch that’s now stretched to five straight games with 13 points or fewer. For a player who entered the season with sky-high expectations-and a brand-new $240 million contract extension-this wasn’t part of the plan.
Jackson’s offseason was full of big moves. He inked the richest deal in franchise history and changed his jersey number from 13 to 8 in honor of his father, Jaren Jackson Sr., who carved out a 13-year NBA career of his own. But so far, the results haven’t matched the hype.
The former Defensive Player of the Year hasn’t looked like the same force on that end of the floor. His shot-blocking numbers are at a career low, and the foul trouble that haunted him early in his career has crept back in-he’s averaging his most fouls per game since the 2019-20 season. For a player known for his defensive instincts and rim protection, that’s a concerning trend.
Still, even in the midst of a tough stretch, Jackson managed to etch his name deeper into Grizzlies history.
Welcome to the 800 Block Club
On Friday night, Jackson joined elite company in Memphis franchise lore. He became just the third player in team history to record 800 blocks in a Grizzlies uniform, joining Pau Gasol and Marc Gasol-two cornerstones of the franchise and fan favorites whose names are synonymous with Memphis basketball.
That’s a significant milestone, especially given Jackson’s age and the fact that he’s still in his eighth NBA season. At one point, he earned the nickname “Block Panther” for his ability to erase shots at the rim with both timing and flair.
But this season, that elite shot-blocking form has been missing. After opening the year with a six-block performance against the Pelicans on October 25, he’s only had four more games with at least two blocks.
His average is down to just 1.0 per game.
That dip in production has been part of a broader inconsistency in his game. Offensively, he hasn’t found his rhythm, and defensively, he’s not making the same impact that made him a household name last season. But even through the struggles, Jackson’s long-term value to the franchise remains clear.
Still One of the Grizzlies’ All-Time Greats
When you start listing the top players in Grizzlies history, Jackson’s name belongs in the conversation-and not just at the bottom. With his two-way potential, accolades, and longevity with the franchise, there’s a real case to be made that he’s already a top-five player in team history.
That’s part of why Memphis doubled down on him this offseason. The five-year extension wasn’t just about what he’s done-it’s about what he can still become.
The Grizzlies believe in his upside, and Friday’s milestone is a reminder of the impact he’s already had. Few players in the league can alter a game on both ends the way Jackson can when he’s locked in.
Right now, he’s not playing at that level. But this isn’t uncharted territory for young stars.
Every player goes through slumps, and Jackson has shown enough over his career to earn the benefit of the doubt. The tools are still there-the length, the timing, the scoring ability-and the Grizzlies are committed to helping him get back to form.
Looking Ahead
For Memphis, the hope is that this milestone can be a turning point. Sometimes all it takes is a moment to reset the mindset. Jackson’s place in franchise history is secure, but the focus now shifts to how he can help this team turn things around in the present.
The Grizzlies have had their share of adversity this season, and Jackson’s resurgence would go a long way toward stabilizing things. Whether it’s regaining his defensive dominance or finding a groove offensively, the opportunity is there. The franchise has bet big on him-and for good reason.
Now it’s about taking that next step forward. Because when Jaren Jackson Jr. is at his best, the Grizzlies are a different team.