Career Timeline of Jaren Jackson Jr.: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Jaren Jackson Jr. made an impact.

Jaren Jackson Jr., an American professional basketball player for the Memphis Grizzlies, is known as a defensive powerhouse. Drafted fourth overall in 2018, he played college basketball for Michigan State. In 2023, Jackson earned his first NBA All-Star selection and was named Defensive Player of the Year. His impact is primarily driven by his outstanding rim protection, demonstrated by leading the NBA in blocks per game for two consecutive seasons. He's nicknamed "the Block Panther" and "JJJ".

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

November 10, 2017: Collegiate Debut

On November 10, 2017, Jaren Jackson Jr. made his collegiate debut, recording 13 points and 13 rebounds in a 98-66 win over North Florida.

January 22, 2018: Season-High 21 Points vs Illinois

On January 22, 2018, Jaren Jackson Jr. recorded a then-season-high 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 blocks in an 87-74 win over Illinois.

June 21, 2018: Drafted by Memphis Grizzlies

On June 21, 2018, Jaren Jackson Jr. was selected with the fourth overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2018 NBA draft.

July 1, 2018: Signed Contract with Grizzlies

On July 1, 2018, Jaren Jackson Jr. signed a multi-year, rookie-scale contract with the Memphis Grizzlies.

2018: Drafted by Memphis Grizzlies

In 2018, Jaren Jackson Jr. was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA draft.

December 13, 2019: Career-High 43 Points

On December 13, 2019, Jaren Jackson Jr. scored a career-high 43 points, including 9 three-pointers, in a 127–114 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.

December 16, 2020: Grizzlies Exercised Team Option

On December 16, 2020, the Grizzlies announced that they had exercised the team option on Jaren Jackson Jr.'s contract.

April 21, 2021: Return from Injury

On April 21, 2021, Jaren Jackson Jr. made his return from injury, putting up 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks in a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.

October 18, 2021: Signed Extension with Grizzlies

On October 18, 2021, Jaren Jackson Jr. signed a four-year, $105 million extension with the Grizzlies.

January 9, 2022: 21 Points and Career-High 12 Rebounds

On January 9, 2022, Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 21 points and tied a career-high with 12 rebounds in a 127–119 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

January 5, 2023: Season-High 31 Points vs Magic

On January 5, 2023, Jaren Jackson Jr. scored a season-high 31 points, alongside ten rebounds and three blocks, in a 123–115 win over the Orlando Magic.

2023: Competed in FIBA Basketball World Cup

In 2023, Jaren Jackson Jr. was a member of the United States national team that competed in the FIBA Basketball World Cup, where they finished fourth.