February 27, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward GG Jackson (45) shoots past Dallas Mavericks guard Brandon Williams (10) in the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Image GG Jackson turned 21 in December, but the Memphis Grizzlies’ 6-foot-9 forward is practically an NBA veteran.
When the Grizzlies visit the Indiana Pacers on Sunday in Indianapolis, Jackson will be nearing the end of his third season in the league and playing the most consistent basketball of his career.
Memphis is undermanned this season due to a number of injuries. Most significant are star guard Ja Morant’s multiple injuries and big man Zach Edey’s lingering ankle issues. Jackson benefited from extended play.
In the team’s last six games, Jackson has emerged as an offensive presence. He averaged 20.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game this season, including season-highs of 28 points and 9 rebounds against Miami on February 21.
He had 12 points, three boards and four assists in Friday’s 124-105 win at Dallas, snapping a three-game losing streak.
“GG has made great strides throughout the season.” Memphis coach Tuomas Isalo said: “We talked about it with GG during (summer league). We said his super power is getting to the paint. He’s doing a great job of touching the paint. His (offensive) efficiency is at a career high right now. The way he’s finishing in those situations is a testament to his hard work.”
Jackson, who missed most of last season due to injury, also displayed accuracy from beyond the arc in six games. He made 12 of his 25 3-point attempts (48%), raising his long-range percentage to 34.7% for the season.
Iisalo noted that Jackson is “playing a lot simpler” and passing the ball more effectively. He recorded five assists in the team’s games against New Orleans and Minnesota on January 30 and 31, respectively.
“Offensively, he’s making good plays on the catch and finding the open guy,” Iisalo said. “He still has to switch between appropriate levels of aggression and patience.”
The team’s recent deal that sent Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah has also resulted in more playing time for GG Jackson, but at this early stage, Jaren Jackson has yet to develop enough skills to earn the league’s 2023 Defensive Player of the Year award.
“Defensively, (GG) has developed as a point-of-attack defender,” Iisalo said. “There’s still some work for him to do better on the defensive side of things – staying on the leash, being defensively conscious and rebounding better to his position. I think the steps he’s taking are very encouraging, and offensively he’s become a real weapon.”
Struggling Indiana is hoping the return of forward Obi Toppin will give the Pacers a boost. The six-year pro, who turns 28 on Wednesday, appeared in Thursday’s 133-109 loss to Charlotte. It was his first action since undergoing surgery for a stress fracture in his right foot in late October. He scored 3 points and 2 rebounds in 8 minutes.
“It warmed my heart,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “He brings energy to our team and our situation. We’re happy to have him back, (but) it’s clear this will be a slow process of developing him gradually. But we need him. We need the body.”
Toppin’s playing time will gradually increase starting with Sunday’s game against Memphis.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been on the floor,” Toppin said. “I felt really good going out there, both offensively and defensively. I feel like I’ll find my rhythm just by being out there.”
–Field level media
