By Thomas Grant Jr.
CHARLOTTE, NC – For the first time as an NBA player, Memphis Grizzlies’ forward G.G. Jackson II was back in the Carolinas.
The former Ridge View and University of South Carolina forward saw action Tuesday at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C. With family in attendance, he scored six points in just over five minutes in the 124-100 win over the Hornets.
It was just Jackson’s second game since returning to the team from the G League. Most of his second season with Memphis has been spent either with the Memphis Hustle or on the sidelines due to injury.
Recovery from off-season surgery on his left fifth metatarsal kept Jackson sidelined through January. He also missed a Feb. 28 game due to a left corneal inflammation.
In all, Jackson has played in just 26 games with the Grizzlies. He’s averaged 7.5 points per game, scoring a season-high 27 on Feb. 3 against San Antonio.
“It’s not where you want to be, but you understand you put yourself in certain situations, you’ve got to deal with the circumstances,” he said.
Last year, Jackson averaged 14.6 points and 4.1 rebounds in 48 games to earn All-NBA All-Rookie second-team. His frustration of the ups and downs of his sophomore campaign were evident when asked to assess his improvement level in Year Two.
“Really nothing,” Jackson said.
Jackson still has an opportunity this season to build greater confidence with interim head coach Tuomas Iisado. The Grizzlies are in a position battle in the Western Conference playoffs with four other teams.
They could either find themselves in a first-round matchup or competing in the play-in tournament to make the post-season. Moving forward, Jackson said “being a clean-cut guy” who “always comes in with a smile on your place” is having the talent and skill to stay in the league.
“Better body language,” he said. “I’ve got to earn trust from the coaches. Ultimately, I’m trying to get out there on the floor.”
(Photos by Thomas Grant Jr.)
