Photo: Memphis Grizzlies/X

Encouragement, and some criticism, from teammate Scotty Pippen Jr. helped push Grizzlies forward GG Jackson II to play with greater aggression, writes Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal in a subscriber-only story.

Now in his third NBA season, Jackson has developed into a more efficient scorer while also becoming a dependable defensive contributor, though teammates say it took motivation from veterans to unlock that progress.

Pippen explained that Jackson’s physical tools were always obvious in practice, but that intensity didn’t always carry over into games early on.

“I would see him in practice and he would be one of the most athletic guys in the gym, then he would get in the game and wouldn’t even dunk or he would only dunk on fast breaks,” Pippen said.

“I’m excited every time I see him dunk and play physical because now guys are starting to get out of the way, or he’s dunking on them.”

Jackson has played 3 seasons for the Grizzlies. He has averaged 10.9 points and 3.7 rebounds in 110 regular-season games.

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