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 for his defensive prowess. 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 rim protection skills are exceptional, leading the NBA in blocks per game for two consecutive seasons (2021-22 and 2022-23). He is also known as "the Block Panther", "The Alliteration", and JJJ.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

September 15, 2016: Commitment to Michigan State

On September 15, 2016, Jaren Jackson Jr. announced his intentions to play for Tom Izzo at Michigan State.

November 9, 2016: Signs letter of intent

On November 9, 2016, Jaren Jackson Jr. officially signed his letter of intent to play basketball at Michigan State.

March 29, 2017: McDonald's All-American Game

On March 29, 2017, Jaren Jackson Jr. was invited to partake in the McDonald's All-American Game.

November 10, 2017: Collegiate Debut

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

January 22, 2018: Season-High Points Against Illinois

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

June 21, 2018: Drafted by Memphis Grizzlies

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

July 1, 2018: Signs with the Grizzlies

On July 1, 2018, Jaren Jackson Jr. officially 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 as the fourth overall pick 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, tying a franchise record, in a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.

December 16, 2020: Grizzlies Exercise Team Option

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

October 18, 2021: Signs Four-Year Extension

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

January 9, 2022: Ties Career-High in Rebounds

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

January 5, 2023: Season-High Points Against Magic

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

2023: 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, finishing fourth in the tournament.