Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. is one of a handful of elite NBA players that will test run a new format for the All-Star Game after his selection was announced by the league on Thursday, Jan. 30.
Jackson will be a reserve for the Western Conference team. It is his second selection. He was also named an All-Star reserve in 2023.
“It is everything. It is what you dream about. I want to be sitting there with someone I am playing with,” said Jackson.
The seven-year veteran currently leads the team with a 22.8 points per game, along with 6.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. He is also knocking down 35.5% of his three-point shots, up from last season’s 32% rate.
“I’m thrilled. Teammates, staff, the entire organization, and I know the fan base is thrilled for Trip. What an unbelievable recognition,” said Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins.
The announcement didn’t come as a surprise to some.
“It was kinda expected. He has been busting his butt all year. He has put all of us on his back. We feed off his energy,” said teammate GG Jackson.
Unlike starters, who are chosen by fans, reserves are selected by their peers in the league and coaches.
Jackson isn’t the only player garnering mid-season recognition. Rookies Jalen Wells and Zach Edey were both selected to play in the NBA Rising Stars events.
Edey was chosen with the ninth pick in the first-round out of Purdue. At 7’4”, he is currently the tallest player in the league. The 22-year-old center currently averages 9.5 points and 7.3 rebounds as a starter.
Wells, meanwhile, is also a favorite to win the Rookie of the Year award. The 6’8” guard is averaging 11.7 rebounds and shooting 38.8% from deep. The second-round pick out of Washington State is also a member of the Grizzlies starting five. He was taken with the 39th pick.
Finally, Memphis Hustle teammates Armando Bacot, Maozinha Pereira, Yuki Kawamura and D J Stevens have been named to the NBA G League Up Next Game team.
Kawamura, a fan favorite, is averaging 15.2 points per game and 9.2 assists. The diminutive point guard has a strong following from his home country of Japan. Bacot, a rookie out of North Carolina, averaging 13.9 points and 7.3 rebounds. Stevens is netting a solid 19.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, while Pereira is scoring 7.8 points and hauling in 6.7 rebounds per contest. He signed two 10-day contracts with the Grizzlies last season.
The G-League players will play for squads vying for inclusion into the NBA All-Star Game. This year, four teams will play in a three game mini-tournament on Sunday, Feb. 15.
