How an insidious ‘superpower’ could help fans forget about Ja Morant

The The Memphis Grizzlies are embarking on a franchise resetbut one 21-year-old forward moves to post-I Morant era looks far less terrifying than expected. GG Jackson appeared quietly as one of the most intriguing young pieces in the NBA, and Tuomas Iisalo he’s not shy about what makes the former second-round pick (45th overall) so dangerous.

That’s it it becomes hard to ignore The South Carolina alum averaged 17.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.7 steals/blocks while shooting 47.8% from three-point range since Jan. 31. Jackson posted about that same numbers as a beginner in a low pressure situation. However, his usage rate (23.3) and three-point range (4.2 attempts per game) have skyrocketed since the NBA trade deadline, showing that he can finally settle down as an NBA veteran.

“I mean, (Jackson) made big strides during the season. We’ve already talked about it with GG during his summer league that his superpower is coming through,” Iisalo explained. “He’s done a great job touching the paint. His efficiency is at a career high right now. How he finishes in those situations is a testament to his hard work.”

That sneaky ability to attack the rim with length, touch and growing confidence could prove vital to the Grizzlies’ transition into a post-Morant, post-Jaren Jackson Jr. era. As the franchise waits for its star point guard to return from an elbow injury or chart a new path forward, Jackson’s growth offers glimpses of a sustainable scoring punch that can handle being an offensive center.

Iisalo wants a traditional point guard who sets the table. Cutters with the size to absorb contact on the rim and the shooting range should finish the game according to the Finnish tactician. Still, the Grizzlies will need someone to put pressure on the defense to finish this season. EVP Zach Kleiman is getting plenty of input suggesting the former first-round pick is ready for a bigger role and a possible multi-year contract extension this summer.

“(Jackson) plays a lot more simple offensively,” Iisalo emphasized. “He plays well without catching and finding open guys. He’s still got to switch that between the right amount of aggressiveness and patience. Defensively, he’s improved as an offensive lineman. He’s still got some things he needs to do better defensively, being connected, having that defensive awareness, rebounding, but I think the rebounding is better for his position. And offensively it’s become a real weapon.”

Being a 21-year-old NBA veteran with three seasons of experience is a crazy situation in the NCAA NIL/Portal era. Jackson had a great rookie season before taking a back seat last year as the core of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bain tried to win a title that ended with the ceiling of the NBA Play-In Tournament. Still, he waited and ran at every opportunity. That patience and investment may pay off for everyone next season.

Iisal’s priority is to see how far superhero GG Jackson can go in a row first. After all, he is still years away from the planned prime minister. A long, athletic, paint-shooting wing who can stretch the floor and defend multiple positions is a perfect fit as the anchor of a modern NBA franchise. Paired with Zach Eddy, Santi Aldama, Ty Jerome, Cedric Coward, Jalen Wells and a 2026 NBA Draft point guard, Memphis would be ready to contend once again.