Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson supports Jalen Green’s G League move

Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies loses control of the ball against Ed Davis #17 of the Utah Jazz during the second half at FedExForum on November 29, 2019 in Memphis, Tennessee. Brandon Dill/Getty Images/AFP

MANILA, Philippines—Jalen Green’s decision to jump to the NBA G League instead of playing at least one year in college is not a new move, but still unorthodox when it comes to NBA hopefuls.

But Memphis Grizzlies center Jaren Jackson Jr. threw his support for the 6-foot-5 guard’s decision.

“I think if it’s good for him and his family, then more power to you honestly,” said Jackson via the NBA’s conference call.

Jackson, the fourth overall pick in 2018, noted LaMelo Ball’s decision to play in Australia’s National Basketball League when he graduated from SPIRE Institute.

Fil-American NBA hopeful Jalen Green at the NBTC National Finals. INQUIRER PHOTO/TRISTAN TAMAYO

Ball, the younger brother of New Orleans point guard Lonzo, is expected to be a lottery pick in the 2020 Draft.

Jackson said Green, who is of Filipino-American descent, may have seen Ball’s career trajectory and it could’ve played a part in the decision to jump to the G League and foregoing the chance to play for collegiate powerhouses such as Kentucky, Oregon, Auburn, and Memphis.

“He’s a talented player, you have to explore all of your options when you are coming out of high school. When you’re coming out of college you have to explore your options,” said Jackson.

“That is something that made sense to him. I think he has seen other players do it and it worked out. You’ve seen Melo do it and there are lots of similarities. Melo went overseas but you get what I’m saying.”