Jaren Jackson Jr. offered a detailed look into the Memphis Grizzlies’s evolution under first-year head coach Tuomas Iisalo, outlining how schematic changes and roster instability have shaped the team’s season.
Speaking with Mark Medina of EssentiallySports, Jackson emphasized that Memphis remains focused on internal growth despite sitting 10th in the Western Conference at 17–22.
“Every time that someone gets back, it’s going to get a lot better for us,” Jackson said. “The goal is to win as many games without them.”
The 26-year-old center pointed to late-game execution as a swing factor in the standings, noting that several losses came in competitive situations rather than blowouts.
“There are games that we definitely should’ve won that we gave up,” he said. “But there were also games that we were in.”
Jackson said the biggest positive has been improved understanding of Iisalo’s offensive structure, which officially became permanent when Memphis hired him on May 2, 2025.
“I’m encouraged by the fact that we’re understanding our system that we’re playing a lot more now,” Jackson said. “I don’t have doubt.”
He explained that the learning curve stemmed from spacing principles that differ sharply from previous schemes, particularly when operating away from the ball.
“It’s a lot different from the old system in terms of spacing and where to go when the person is dribbling,” Jackson said. “Now it’s in reverse with a lot of things that we used to do.”
Jackson added that the design emphasizes second-side actions, often requiring players to stay put rather than relocate instinctively.
“You’re trying to play the second side of the floor with more space,” he said. “So you have to give up something.”
Despite undergoing offseason surgery and playing through a rotating injury list, Jackson said his approach has remained unchanged.
“As long as I’m out there, I feel good about that,” he said. “Injuries are a part of the game.”
Jackson is averaging 18.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks while shooting 47.9 percent from the field, anchoring Memphis on both ends.
Earlier this season, he became the third player in franchise history to reach 800 career blocks, joining Marc Gasol and Pau Gasol.
“Marc would always say that he’s not really athletic like that,” Jackson said. “He just has to use his hands and positioning.”
Jackson credited conditioning and discipline for sustaining his defensive impact, especially when managing foul trouble.
“When you’re staying in shape, you don’t swing at the ball randomly,” he said.
He also highlighted the influence of Ja Morant since returning from injury, both on the floor and from the bench.
“He loves the game,” Jackson said. “That’s what separates him.”
As Memphis weighs its long-term direction, Jackson framed the season as a necessary adjustment period rather than a setback.
“You just have to get used to it,” he said. “That’s basically what it is.”
