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Ja Morant has high praise for Grizzlies rookie GG Jackson

DSprofileby:Dustin Schutte•07/09/23•

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ja morant
(Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

Memphis Grizzlies rookie guard GG Jackson has already earned major respect from one of his teammates. Ja Morant has seen the former South Carolina Gamecock in action during the NBA Summer League and has been thoroughly impressed.

Jackson, a second-round selection in the 2023 NBA Draft, saw the floor for 21 minutes in Memphis’ Summer League game against the Chicago Bulls on Saturday. He ended the game with nine points on three-of-eight shooting. He also collected two rebounds and dished an assist in an 87-80 victory.

NBA reporter Taylor Rooks spoke with Morant — who has been suspended by the league — to get his thoughts on Jackson. So far, he loves what he sees.

“He said he’s just been so impressed with what he can do on the court,” Rooks said of Morant’s comments. “Said he has tremendous upside at 6-foot-9, being able to play multiple positions on both sides of the ball.

“He can shoot it, he can create for everybody. Adding, it’s crazy that he can do all of that at 18 years old.”

That’s pretty high praise for Jackson. Of course, it’s only Summer League, but clearly Morant believes the 18-year-old has a high ceiling and help the Grizzlies in a big way this season.

Jackson declared for the NBA Draft after spending one season with the Gamecocks. During the 2022-23 campaign, he averaged 15.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in 32 contests for South Carolina.

Ja Morant faces 25-game suspension from NBA

Although Morant sounds excited to join Jackson on the floor for the 2023-24 season, he’s going to have to wait a while. The superstar guard has been hit with a 25-game suspension by the league.

The NBA handed down the punishment after Morant was captured on Instagram Live flashing a firearm. It was his second offense, warranting a suspension from the league.

After the NBA handed down the suspension, Morant released a statement.

“I’ve had time to reflect and I realize how much hurt I’ve caused. I want to apologize to the NBA, the Grizzlies, my teammates and the city of Memphis,” the statement said. “To Adam Silver, Zach Kleiman and Robert Pera — who gave me the opportunity to be a professional athlete and have supported me — I’m sorry for the harm I’ve done. To the kids who look up to me, I’m sorry for failing you as a role model. I promise I’m going to be better. To all of my sponsors, I’m going to be a better representation of our brands. And to all of my fans, I’m going to make it up to you, I promise.

“I’m spending this offseason and my suspension continuing to work on my own mental health and decision making. I’m also going to be training so that I’m ready to go when I can be back on the court. I know my teammates are going to hold it down and I’m so sorry I won’t be out there with you at the beginning of the season.

“I hope you’ll give me the chance to prove to you over time I’m a better man than what I’ve been showing you.”