History of Jaren Jackson Jr. in Timeline

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

September 15, 1999: Jaren Jackson Jr. Born

On September 15, 1999, Jaren Walter Jackson Jr., nicknamed "the Block Panther", "The Alliteration", and also known by his initials JJJ, was born. He is an American professional basketball player.

Others born on this day/year

September 15, 2016: Announced 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: Signed Letter of Intent with Michigan State

On November 9, 2016, Jaren Jackson Jr. signed the letter of intent to play basketball for 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 98-66 win over North Florida.

2017: Ranked as Top Player in Graduating Class

In 2017, Jaren Jackson Jr. was recognized as one of the top players in the graduating class and received high rankings from Scout.com, 247Sports, and ESPN.

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.

January 30, 2020: Suspended One Game

On January 30, 2020, Jaren Jackson Jr. was suspended for one game without pay for leaving the bench during an altercation between the Grizzlies and the New York Knicks.

August 4, 2020: Torn Meniscus Injury

On August 4, 2020, Jaren Jackson Jr. suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee in a 99–109 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.

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.

June 30, 2022: Underwent Foot Surgery

On June 30, 2022, Jaren Jackson Jr. underwent surgery to repair a stress fracture in his right foot and was ruled out for four-to-six months.

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.