What comes to mind when you think of Jaren Jackson Jr.? If you haven’t been paying much attention to the Memphis Grizzlies over the past few seasons, you might think of Jackson as a big stretch who struggles inside.

This is a pretty accurate representation of Jackson in parts of his career. As a sophomore, Jackson bombed from deep en route to 39.4% on 6.5 attempts per game. Since 2020, Jackson’s three-point shooting has fluctuated.

In 2024, he evolved into a bruised physical indoor marker. It’s a significant departure from his early-career high-volume spacing-based style of play. Despite the lowest three-point volume of his career (3.2 per game) since his rookie season, Jackson’s 65.1% true shooting marks a career best, and he’s doing so while who is averaging the second-highest points of his career at 20.4 per game.

According to Synergy, a staggering 24.4 percent (90th percentile) of his possessions come via the post-up, converting an efficient 1.14 points per possession on those chances. Through the first five games, his post-up rate hit career highs. His 66 percent two-point clip is a career best by nearly eight percent.

jaren jackson jr’s post rate over the last four seasons went from 12.2%->16.1%->13.8%->22.1% (SSS)

Very cool to see him develop into a bruiser with his back to the basket. another example of stars developing on an unexpected path pic.twitter.com/BdpeQ3aYby

— ben pfeifer (@bjpf_) November 1, 2024

Jackson’s efficiency inside will likely decline. His process is encouraging, as Jackson’s added strength allows him to hit smaller defenders on switches. He will make hook shots and move to his strong shoulder to step up for buckets and fouls.

Overall, Memphis has changed his offensive philosophy this season, contributing to Jackson’s rise. He adopted some of the offensive pillars of new assistant coach Noah LaRoche, focusing on connected movement and passing instead of pick-and-rolls and set plays. The Grizzlies rank fifth in post-up possessions per game and last in pick-and-roll possessions. Last season, they ranked in the bottom half in post-up possessions per game.

It would be easy to consider last year a lost season due to injuries for Memphis. Jackson eclipsed a 30 usage rate, accepting a true lead creative role. His struggles of ineffectiveness last season — adapting as a driver and contact absorber — are now paying dividends. With his usage rate falling back down to earth (26.6 percent), his increase in efficiency makes sense given a full season of live game development reps.

His metamorphosis into a consistent and efficient volume scorer will help the Grizzlies climb to title contention. They shouldn’t rely so much on Ja Morant and Desmond Bane to create effective attacks. Jackson may not be the Defensive Player of the Year he once was, but he’s still an impactful inside linebacker with the potential to return to elite form with less offensive responsibility.

In the early hours of the season, the 4-3 Grizzlies have a first eight offences. Like 2022, they have the potential to become an elite offensive unit as they continue to gel and get healthier. Jackson’s development is as critical to that success as anything else.