Grind City Media

Memphis Grizzlies

For Santi Aldama, those valuable lessons are almost as good as gold now.

The growing pains and breakthroughs from playing behind, alongside and – at times – in place of Jaren Jackson Jr. in the Grizzlies’ lineup the past two years are providing a boost.

“I’ve learned from Jaren a while now,” Aldama insists from overseas. “What I think I’ve learned most that’s helping me is basically how to use my body (defensively) to change shots and (offensively) to get position. That’s a strength Jaren has. I try to use that in my game.”

If production with their respective national teams is any indication, the 6-foot-11 Spanish pupil has caught on quickly with lessons from his 6-foot-11 American mentor and NBA teammate.

Much like Jackson has with Team USA, Aldama and Spain swept their three games in initial group stage play of the FIBA Basketball World Cup to advance to this weekend’s second round.

Also like Jackson, Aldama has been essentially irreplaceable on his frontcourt as Spain has powered on to the round of 16 remaining teams vying for berths to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

And statistically, the Grizzlies’ two versatile big men are having a similar impact – albeit with their own unique styles of play. Through three games in FIBA action, Jackson is averaging 11 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and a steal in nearly 17 minutes a game as USA’s starting center.

Aldama, meanwhile, has been a sensational sixth man for Spain in contributing 11.3 points, six rebounds, 1.7 blocks and a steal per game. He leads Spain in blocked shots and plus-minus ratio (+18.3), is tied for first in rebounds, is second in minutes played and is third in scoring.

While Jackson and Team USA have been stationed in the Philippines for their games, Aldama and Spain have been anchored in Indonesia for these initial rounds. Yet, there’s a mutual admiration of each other’s breakout play on the global stage as their respective team’s advance.

“It’s been great,” Jackson said of tracking Aldama’s progress from afar as they both push through the FIBA field. “He’s one of the best young players coming up right now, and he has all the tools to be amazing. With him putting it all together now, I know he’s been playing like a superhero with his country over there. It’s great, and I’m happy with everything he does.”

They now move a step closer to a potential showdown for a FIBA gold medal, but both face major obstacles in their quests to emerge from the weekend and make the knockout stage. Spain advanced to Group L and plays Latvia on Friday before Sunday’s showdown with fellow unbeaten Canada, which is arguably the most impressive team so far in the World Cup field.

Team USA, which capped its 3-0 start with Wednesday’s 110-62 thrashing of Jordan, moves ahead to Group J matchups Friday against Montenegro and Sunday versus 3-0 Lithuania. The top eight teams that emerge from Sunday move on to next week’s quarterfinals, with the bracket culminating in the Sept. 10 FIBA Basketball World Cup gold medal game.

Spain entered the 32-team field last week as FIBA’s No. 1-ranked squad based largely on its gold medal finish in the 2019 World Cup. But the USA, Canada, Serbia and Germany have proved to be viable threats to win the tournament, with each of those teams led by several NBA players.

“We have to figure out a way to play at our pace, with our physicality, that’s the biggest thing,” Aldama told Grind City Media of defending Spain’s World Cup title. “There are a lot of good teams in the World Cup, and you can already see the amount of talent is huge. There are so many teams that can win it. If we focus on winning every day . . . winning every single practice day by getting better, that’s our biggest challenge. If we do that, we’re set up for success.”

Although the Hernangomez brothers and Rudy Fernandez all boast previous NBA experience, Aldama is the lone player on Spain’s active roster who played extensively in the league last season. That became the case when Spanish superstar and NBA veteran Ricky Rubio announced in FIBA training camp he was stepping away from the team to cope with mental health issues.

“We lose Ricky, who’s a great player who would have helped us a lot, and we have to adjust,” Aldama said. “But it’s obviously more important what he’s going through right now. And we stand with him. But we have the guys we have. And we have a great group.”

Rubio’s absence created a scoring void that gave Aldama a bigger opportunity to emerge. During his senior national team debut on Aug. 4, Aldama scored 16 points in 16 minutes in an exhibition win over Venezuela. He followed up with a team-high 18 points, seven assists and six rebounds in another tune-up victory, this time over NBA superstar Luka Doncic and Slovenia.

Then came the highly anticipated matchup with Jackson on Aug. 13, when Spain pushed Team USA for three-and-a-half quarters before faltering late in a 10-point loss to the Americans. Aldama matched Jackson’s scoring output, with both big men finishing with 14 points.

It was a full-circle moment for Aldama. He opened his second NBA season a year ago as the Grizzlies starting power forward for the first two months as Jackson completed offseason surgery rehab. Aldama finished that season having played in 77 games, including 20 starts, while averaging career-highs of nine points and 4.8 rebounds in 21.8 minutes.

Now, after an offseason dedicated to building strength, improving his defense and expanding his offensive game, Aldama is testing his growth against the player who helped build his skillset.

“It was also the ability to make mistakes and learn on the fly,” Aldama said of how last season prepared him for FIBA play. “That’s carrying through with Team Spain, having to play in a different system, with different rules and a different team. Having that experience where I was able to adapt, having to play more minutes at some points last season and less in others, that just set me up properly so I can contribute to my national team the way I’ve been expecting.”

Jackson is just as proud of the gains he’s seen in Aldama’s game. The conversations and pointers he offered along the way last season are paying dividends now. And Aldama believes there’s no better teacher than a stalwart like Jackson, the NBA’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year.

“He did a great job filling in for me – he held it down then, and you can see it just in his presence now,” Jackson said of Aldama. “His defense is coming along, and his offense has really always been there. He’s versatile. He works, so he’s going to be great in this league for a while.”

Only one of the two can potentially return to Memphis with a FIBA gold medal.

Jackson smirks when asked if it might be awkward to face his Grizzlies’ teammate with a FIBA World Cup championship on the line, should both teams continue to advance.

“It’s not going to be weird at all,” Jackson vowed. “I want that. I’ll be ready to go.”

There’s no backing down from Aldama or Spain as they continue to rise to the challenge. Spain has won 11 straight World Cup games, dating to their 2019 FIBA championship run. That streak matches the longest in that national team’s history.&nbsp;

But this is a different team, and a different time. Yet, it’s the same Spanish national pride.

“I’ve been training the whole summer for this moment,” Aldama assured.

Regardless of the World Cup outcome, Jackson believes the Grizzlies will ultimately come out winners. They’ll have two frontcourt players returning in midseason condition when training camp opens a little more than a month.&nbsp;

“That frontline is going to be super important, so I hope he takes this all seriously,” Jackson said. “I already know that’s him at his core. Santi works hard, does everything right and he’s coached well. So, it’s going to be great putting it all back together back in Memphis.”

These FIBA games are highlighting Aldama’s growth and Jackson’s emerging greatness.&nbsp;

Two examples of the Grizzlies’ gold standard for development on the global stage.

mikecheck-grizzlies-gold-standard-for-development-shines-as-jackson-usa-aldama-spain-advance-in-fiba-world-cup

MikeCheck: Grizzlies’ gold standard for development shines as Jackson (USA), Aldama (Spain) advance in FIBA World Cup

The chemistry and camaraderie have formed remarkably fast.

But don’t believe for a second that players on Team USA’s roster aren’t giving one another fits every chance they get along their global trek to the FIBA World Cup.

Just take Jaren Jackson Jr. for example.&nbsp;

“I’m talking trash to everyone, every day,” the Grizzlies’ star big man insisted.

But there are moments when Jackson, the NBA’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year and Team USA’s starting center, grows even more defensive than anything he shows on the court.

Just ask USA teammate Austin Reaves, who finds just the right time to drop those not-so-subtle reminders how his Lakers beat Jackson’s Grizzlies in the opening round of last season’s playoffs.

“Oh yeah, I’ve definitely talked to him about that a couple of times already,” Reaves wisecracked. “We’re all sitting at a team dinner the other night, and I was minding my business, smiling, and just enjoying the conversation. Then someone said something crazy. And I had to bring up (the playoffs), just to drop a little jab in there to back them off.”

Even when joining forces for a collective national cause, there’s an intensely competitive streak that burns through this 12-man roster of some of the NBA’s best young players. But Jackson, Reaves and their teammates are setting in-season league rivalries aside – for now – as Team USA begins its quest for a gold medal with this weekend’s start of FIBA World Cup play.

After quickly building bonds through training camp and a 5-0 run across three continents in exhibition games, Team USA opens play Saturday against New Zealand in the Philippines. The Americans then face fellow Group C opponents Greece on Monday and Jordan on Wednesday.

Spain enters the 32-team field as the No. 1 team in FIBA’s world rankings based on its gold medal finish in the 2019 World Cup and subsequent international play. But Team USA, which regrouped from a seventh-place finish in the 2019 World Cup to capture Olympic gold in 2021, is favored to emerge on top in the Sept. 10 FIBA World Cup finals.

If two close tune-ups against Spain and Germany are any indication, these next three weeks may be far from a cakewalk to the medal rounds for Team USA.

Two weeks ago, Spain played the Americans evenly through three-and-a-half quarters before faltering late. And in its final exhibition last week, Team USA had to rally from a 16-point deficit in the second half to escape Germany’s upset bid.

Growing together and bonding quickly are vital for a group of USA players experiencing their first taste of FIBA World Cup competition. None on this roster have played in an Olympics, either. Team USA aims to finish this FIBA tournament with one of the automatic bids to next summer’s Olympics in Paris.

“We have a young team but they’re hungry and on the rise, a really good group enjoying this process of working hard together every day,” USA coach Steve Kerr said as the team arrived in Manila. “We need to get prepared because we know how difficult this will be. There are a lot of great teams. We’re excited to be here and can feel the passion from fans everywhere we go.”

Jackson has been among the most consistent performers along the way. The NBA’s leader in blocks per game last season, Jackson’s defense has been dominant in exhibition play.

His versatility and unique impact on both ends of the court have kept Jackson in Kerr’s starting lineup for all five exhibition games. Jackson is expected to maintain that role alongside guards Jalen Brunson and Anthony Edwards, and forwards Mikal Bridges and Brandon Ingram.

Jackson has scored in double figures in three of five tune-up games and has averaged nearly six rebounds and a team-high three blocks per game. His most impressive stretch came in the closing minutes of Sunday’s rally to beat Germany. Jackson provided the interior defense and rim protection during USA’s 18-0 run in the fourth quarter to pull ahead.

Jackson finished with eight rebounds, seven points and six blocks in 27 minutes for his most complete effort during the exhibition slate. Playing primarily at center required some adjustments, with FIBA’s rules limiting participants to five fouls and less physical play.

Having spent the bulk of his first five NBA seasons at power forward, Jackson has shared the frontcourt with centers such as Marc Gasol, Jonas Valanciunas and, currently, Steven Adams. With Team USA, he’s transitioned to being the man in the middle. It’s a role that could foreshadow what’s to come a bit farther into the prime of his NBA career in Memphis.

“Every day, it’s just about expanding more of my game to my new teammates here,” Jackson told Grind City Media of his Team USA adjustment. “It’s just doing what has to be done to win. Any part of your game, you’ve just got to use it where it fits. It really doesn’t matter what you’ve been doing on your respective teams. It’s what matters now and what needs to be done.”

Brunson echoes that sentiment and believes Jackson’s approach is symbolic of the team. The Americans haven’t been together long, but they’ve developed a tested formula for winning. They’ll rely on up-tempo offense, ball-movement, creating transition opportunities after forcing turnovers and aggressively defending the rim.

There’s also balanced scoring and depth, with Kerr’s rotation often stretching to 11 players.&nbsp;

“Guys just want to put each other in position to be successful,” said Brunson, the Knicks’ catalyst and Team USA’s starting point guard. “We have a lot of guys who come from different situations and play different styles and roles on their teams. But here, egos are left at the door.”

Well, except for those moments when trash-talking breaks out.

Sometimes it’s on the bus to the arena. Other times it erupts at dinner, or when hanging out in the hotel. It doesn’t take much to get started, either.

There’s that playful Jackson-Reaves dynamic, of course. On the flip side, Jackson is also in the starting lineup with Edwards of the Timberwolves, who were knocked out of the playoffs two season ago by the Grizzlies.

“It happens everywhere, man,” Edwards said of the banter among rivals-turned-teammates. “You really don’t ever set it aside because you still have an edge when you’re around these guys. You have to talk a little trash. But at this point, we’ve come together to learn each other more. As we learn each other off the court, we’re that much better on the court.”

Talk only goes so far for Ingram, the prolific scorer from the Pelicans. Asked how intense the ribbing sometimes gets between these NBA players, Ingram slowly scanned the gym.

“They’ve all been talking since we got here,” Ingram smirked. “Every team (represented) here, I probably (scored) 30 on everybody. I don’t trash talk. All my (stuff) is action. Right now, you put all that NBA stuff away and learn each other fast. Once it hits October, then it’s different.”

The same fire that will spark them over the next seven months once the NBA season starts has already ignited them for a united stand through these next three weeks for FIBA goals.

“A lot of these guys, I started out with, grew up with playing the game at every level since we were young,” Jackson said. “We’ll put (team rivalries) aside, for sure, for now. But we’re always going to have fun. We’re just ready to get this thing going.”

Team USA has already proved to be a team of fast learners.&nbsp;

mikecheck-jackson-usa-teammates-set-aside-nba-rivalries-for-now-in-quest-for-fiba-gold

MikeCheck: Jackson, USA teammates set aside NBA rivalries – for now – in quest for FIBA gold

Grizzlies fans won’t have to wait until opening night of the NBA season to see a couple of their key players in action on the court.

Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama have some global basketball business to attend to first.

“We’re going for that gold, and then it’s all about that (championship) ring thing, you feel me?” Jackson explained. “We can’t wait to lock in back home in Memphis when we get back.”

While Jackson (USA) and Aldama (Spain) prepare for their final weekend of tune-up games with their respective national teams ahead of next week’s start of the FIBA World Cup, they now also know when their next mission begins again as Grizzlies teammates.

The NBA’s composite schedule was released Thursday, with the Grizzlies set to open their season on Oct. 25 at home against the New Orleans Pelicans. Memphis plays eight of its first 14 games on the road, and the early slate presents plenty of challenges and opportunities for a team that will be in transition through the initial months of the 2023-24 season.

That process begins when training camp opens in early October. The Grizzlies will face the first 25 games without superstar point guard Ja Morant, who will serve an NBA-mandated, 25-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the league.

In his first four seasons on the bench, coach Taylor Jenkins banked on continuity as the Grizzlies developed into one of the NBA’s most productive young teams. There’s another ‘C’ word that will define the Grizzlies plight entering Jenkins’ fifth season: change.

There are changes in the coaching staff, with former top assistant Darko Rajakovic moving on to become head coach of the Toronto Raptors. And there are changes within the roster, with the addition of key veterans Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose to boost a team that’s made three straight trips to the playoffs and posted the second-best record in the West the past two years.

But there are no changes when it comes to the franchise’s championship aspirations.&nbsp;

“We always have to push ourselves,” Jenkins said of the motivations entering the upcoming season. “In what ways can we get better as an organization, as a staff, as a team, as individuals collectively pushing for the same goal? We’ve done some great things. But how can we not be satisfied, and get even better? You always want to build and keep getting better year after year.”

After setting a franchise record with an NBA-best 36-5 mark at home last season, the Grizzlies are thriving for another strong season at FedExForum.

Here’s my annual schedule-release look at ‘5 Can’t Miss’ home games for the 2023-24 season.

The Grizzlies won’t have to wait long to measure themselves against Finals MVP Nikola Jokic and the defending NBA champs. Two days after the season opener, Memphis welcomes the only team that finished ahead of it in the West standings last season. The two squads work from a similar developmental blueprint, and the Nuggets finally got their breakthrough to their franchise’s first title. The Grizzlies, when healthy, don’t see themselves as too far behind.

Let’s get one thing clear up front. The deepest set of emotions probably won’t hit Marcus Smart until the Grizzlies visit Boston Garden much later in the season on Feb. 4. But this will be the Celtics’ lone visit to Memphis this season, meaning it's the first time Smart faces the only other franchise he’s suited up for in his nine years in the league. Many in Boston weren’t exactly ready to let him go, but Smart will settle into a new role and purpose with the Grizzlies. 

On the surface, this doesn’t jump out as anything special on a Thursday night four days before Christmas. But this lines up as potentially Ja Morant’s first home game coming off suspension. Technically, Morant could make his return the previous game on the road in New Orleans, a game TNT picked up as the Grizzlies’ first true nationally televised game on the schedule. After that, Ja comes to FedExForum for his long-awaited return in front of the home crowd.

Rivalry or not, when the Warriors and Grizzlies get together, there’s always fireworks leading up to the game and on the court. There’s just a mutual level of respect between these two teams after meeting in the postseason two of the past three years. The Grizzlies host Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson on arguably the most impactful day of Memphis’ season as the MLK Day Celebration Game, warranting the national spotlight for all the right reasons.

Count Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane among the Grizzlies who simply refuse to dismiss the pain they felt after falling to the Lakers in the first round of last season’s playoffs as the No. 2 seed. That pain and disappointment, according to many on the team, is driving the Grizzlies entering the upcoming season. LeBron James and Co. rode their first-round victory all the way to conference finals. This will be the first of two visits from the Lakers over a span of 10 games.

mikecheck-my-5-cant-miss-games-at-fedexforum-as-locked-in-grizzlies-embark-on-2023-24-nba-season

MikeCheck: My 5 Can’t Miss Games at FedExForum as ‘locked-in’ Grizzlies embark on 2023-24 NBA season

LAS VEGAS – The all-world defensive accolades, seven-foot frame and immensely diverse game already made Grizzlies power forward Jaren Jackson Jr. a unique fit for the Team USA roster.

But there’s another aspect of Jackson’s game that stood out during the national team’s training camp that culminates with Monday’s exhibition opener against Puerto Rico.

“He’s so far ahead of the calls, he knows exactly what we’re doing,” Team USA coach Steve Kerr assessed of Jackson’s impact over the four days of workouts. “He’s bigger and stronger, plush he’s got the experience. He’s more confident with things going on out there on the floor. The actions we’re running, he’s recognizing all that stuff. So, he’s a really great young player.”

Jackson showcased his entire game, adapted to multiple rotation combinations around him in scrimmages and appears headed for starting and starring roles in Team USA’s preparation for the FIBA World Cup. That’s why it came as little surprise when, according to a poll taken by The Athletic of the USA’s 12-man roster, Jackson was voted most impressive player in training camp.

Jackson, who turns 24 next month, insists the work of maximizing his time with the national team is far from done. Monday night’s tune-up against Puerto Rico is the first of five exhibitions Team USA will play in the weeks leading to the Aug. 25 start of the FIBA World Cup.

The 32-team field is competing for qualifying spots in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Team USA can qualify for an automatic bid at this stage by finishing among the top two teams from North, Central and South America.

Jackson, the NBA’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year and two-time, first-team All-Defensive team selection has had dominant stretches on both ends of the court in camp scrimmages. He was effective in catching and scoring in the paint, stepping out to show his three-point range and by operating smoothly in pick-and-roll sets with various guard combinations.

“He definitely got in his bag a little bit,” Team USA guard and Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton said of Jackson. “He can do so many things, but he doesn’t try to do too much. He just stays within his game, which makes it easy to play with him.”

Jackson is eager to continue building chemistry with a revamped national team roster of young stars who have never played in either a FIBA World Cup or in the Olympics.

“It’s no major adjustment because these are the best players in the world, and they can adjust very well,” Jackson said. “It’s not like I’m playing with people who don’t know the game. We’ve got great guards and great wings with us. So, I’m ready. Let’s go.”

Jackson’s seamless transition from Grizzlies’ catalyst to Team USA standout is one of many encouraging developments from the national team’s initial FIBA World Cup preparations.

Here are four other key takeaways from Team USA’s training camp stint in Las Vegas.

When Kerr called off the rest of an intense scrimmage after a Blue team possession resulted in a defensive stop and a rare Jalen Brunson breakaway dunk in transition, it spoke volumes.

“I mean, how can you possibly top that?” an impressed Kerr raved about the 6-foot-1 New York Knicks point guard. “He’s just a natural leader. He gets everyone involved. Everyone gravitates to him, listens to him and wants to play with him.”

Fittingly, some of Jackson’s best work during scrimmage sessions came in the two-man, pick-and-roll sets with Brunson running the offense. There may not be a bigger breakout candidate on the FIBA World Cup stage than Brunson.

In the past year, he’s emerged from Luka Doncic’s shadow in Dallas to sign a lucrative, free-agent deal in New York and then led the Knicks to their first playoff series victory in 10 years last season. Now, in less than a week, he’s pushed to the front as Team USA’s playmaking catalyst.

As Steph Curry’s coach with Golden State, Kerr knows plenty about elite-level point guard play. Kerr has been evasive in settling on a starting lineup. But three players he’s used consistently in the primary group have been Brunson, Jackson and Pelicans swingman Brandon Ingram.

“Everybody here is sacrificing for what’s best for the team,” Brunson said. “I’m just trying to use my voice and lead. That (role) comes naturally for me. I’m just trying to do what I always do.”

A remarkable and meteoric journey for Arkansas native Austin Reaves just keeps getting better each time he steps onto the court.

A little more than a year ago, Reaves was on a two-way developmental contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. Now, he’s a valued reserve on Team USA’s 12-man roster headed to the FIBA World Cup in hopes of qualifying for the 2024 Olympics.

“It’s been a crazy ride man,” said Reaves, who grew up a 90-minute drive from Memphis in tiny Newark, Arkansas. “In some ways, it seems like it happened so quickly. But in other ways, it’s kind of taken a long time. I just want to keep putting in the work to keep this going.”

The son of parents who both played basketball at Arkansas State, Reaves emerged as a cult hero of sorts for the Lakers as their third-leading playoff contributor last season at 16.9 points, 4.6 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game. He signed a four-year, $56 million deal in free agency last month to stay with the Lakers, who advanced to the Western Conference finals.

A highlight of Reaves’ blossoming career occurred last season when more than 100 supporters came to FedExForum to watch his breakout, first-round series against the Grizzlies.

“That meant everything,” said Reaves, who joins Brunson and Haliburton in Team USA’s rotation of playmaking point guards. “Now, the goal is to take advantage of this incredible opportunity.”

As Kerr dismissed the Select Team of young and rising NBA players after an impressive weekend of scrimmage sessions against the senior national team, he did so with a caveat.

“We’ll certainly see some of these guys again,” Kerr said. “They’ve done a tremendous job, and now they’re in the pipeline of talented young players we are excited about in this system.”

Among those making the biggest impressions from the Select Team were Pistons teammates Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren. Cunningham, the No. 1 overall pick from the 2021 draft, was limited to just 12 games last season because of a stress fracture in his leg. Duren, a 6-11 center who spent one season at the University of Memphis, was a lottery pick in 2022.

The duo combined to lead the Select team to wins in two scrimmage periods open to the media during a weekend set against the deeper and more accomplished USA roster.

With Cunningham and Duren emerging, and new coach Monty Williams guiding a team that also features promising young guards Jaden Ivey and Ausar Thompson, the Pistons could make a leap in the East very soon. Much like Oklahoma City did in the West during last season’s ahead-of-schedule push into a Play-In Tournament spot.

Team USA is trying to bounce back from its worst-ever, seventh place finish in the 2019 FIBA World Cup. However, the Americans have won four consecutive gold medals in the Olympics.&nbsp;

After facing Puerto Rico, the Americans will travel to Spain to continue preparations with back-to-back exhibitions this weekend against Slovenia and Spain. From there, it’s on to Abu Dhabi for the final tune-ups against Greece (Aug. 18) and Germany (Aug. 20).

Team USA will open FIBA World Cup play in Group C on Aug. 26 against New Zealand in the Philippines, where they are also bracketed with Jordan and Greece.

Team USA’s roster is obviously NBA-heavy, but there are multiple national teams stocked with elite talent from the league. Canada and Australia each has 10 NBA players listed on its FIBA World Cup roster, while Serbia, France and Germany each has four NBA players.

mikecheck-5-takeaways-from-usa-training-camp-as-grizzlies-star-jackson-thrives-in-fiba-prep

MikeCheck: 5 Takeaways from USA training camp as Grizzlies star Jackson thrives in FIBA prep

LAS VEGAS – For Jaren Jackson Jr., Team USA is a legacy play.

It’s essentially history in the making.

It’s the culmination of lifelong relationships established since birth, the evolution from a child basketball prodigy into one of the NBA’s most talented big men, and the commitment to continue representing his country on the global basketball stage.

“It’s definitely not something you take for granted,” Jackson insisted. “You try to keep getting better. You get to rep your country. You get to work on your game. I’ve been in the program.”

Those are among many reasons Jackson is especially programmed for this assignment.

When USA’s 12-man World Cup roster opens its weeklong training camp in Las Vegas on Thursday, Jackson will not only return to familiar territory – he’ll be a decorated defensive catalyst anchoring a promising collection of young and rising NBA stars.

Four years ago, Jackson was in Vegas with USA’s Select Team of young NBA stars who practiced against the senior National team that ultimately won gold at the 2020 Olympics in Japan. And back in 2016, Jackson played with Team USA’s youth club that captured gold at the FIBA Men’s Under-17 World Championship in Spain.

What’s been a remarkable basketball progression now places the Grizzlies’ star power forward and NBA reigning Defensive Player of the Year on the cusp of his next global mission. Team USA plays in the FIBA World Cup later this month for an automatic bid to the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

The Grizzlies will be well-represented in the FIBA tournament, which runs Aug. 25 through Sept. 10 in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia. As an NBA All-Star, Defensive Player of the Year and two-time, first-team All-Defensive team selection at just 24 years old, Jackson is one of the most accomplished players on a revamped USA team that enters FIBA ranked second in the world.

Meanwhile, Jackson’s frontcourt teammate in Memphis will make his senior national team debut on a Spain squad that currently sits atop the FIBA world standings. Grizzlies power forward Santi Aldama has spent the past month training overseas in preparation for Spain’s tournament run with a team that also features several NBA standouts.

Aldama is continuing a legacy of his own that has international ties to Memphis. The third-year power forward grew up in Spain idolizing Grizzlies legends Pau and Marc Gasol, who have been icons on the Spanish national team for parts of three decades.

When Aldama learned he would be headed to Memphis as the final pick in the first round of the 2020 Draft, it was a moment of enormous personal and national pride to join the same franchise as his heroes. Now, he’ll also carry his native country’s national banner in FIBA.

A highlight experience for both Jackson and Aldama will come well before the official FIBA Wold Cup games start. Team USA and Spain face off in an exhibition on Aug. 13 in Spain as both nations work through a series of tune-up games leading into the start of tournament pool play. Grizzlies’ president of basketball operations Zach Kleiman plans to travel to Spain for that game.

Aldama is coming off a career season in which he made 20 starts and played in 77 games. He approaches his role with Spain in FIBA as a chance to expand his game, both alongside and against the best competition in the world. And that includes a now-nemesis in Jackson.

“This is all just in general for my growth,” said Aldama, who averaged nearly 10 points and five rebounds in 22 minutes a game last season with the Grizzlies. “It’s just a learning opportunity. I need to put on some pounds, get bigger, quicker and stronger overall. I’ve got to get to the best version of myself and help my teammates in as many ways as possible, play multiple positions.”

At a recent appearance at his youth basketball camp in Memphis, Jackson insisted half-jokingly he won’t hesitate to go at Aldama as aggressively as any opponent when they match up.

“(Aldama) is on that (other) side right now,” Jackson deadpanned. “He knows how I feel.”

Both Jackson and Aldama are positioned to emerge from the FIBA World Cup in peak condition, with the Grizzlies scheduled to open training camp three weeks after the medal round games.

Along the way, Team USA plays a five-game exhibition slate against Puerto Rico (Aug. 7 in Las Vegas), Slovenia and Spain (Aug. 12 and Aug. 13 in Spain), and then Greece and Germany (Aug. 18 and Aug. 20) in Abu Dhabi. The American team then travels to the Philippines for official FIBA group games, starting against New Zealand (Aug. 26), Greece (Aug. 28) and Jordan (Aug. 30).

Spain, the defending 2019 FIBA World Cup champions, open exhibition play Saturday against Venezuela and Slovenia (Aug. 11) before tune-ups against USA (Aug. 13), Canada (Aug. 17) and the Dominican Republic (Aug. 19). Aldama and Spain will then be based in Indonesia for official FIBA group play against Cote D’Ivoire, Brazil and Iran.

USA Basketball coaches and executives have described Jackson as a tailor-made fit for the current national team and the style of play it’ll face on the international level.

There’s a collection of rangy and productive guards in Jalen Brunson (Knicks), Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers) and Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves). There are athletic and versatile players on the wing in Mikal Bridges (Nets), Cam Johnson (Nets), Josh Hart (Knicks), Austin Reaves (Lakers) and Brandon Ingram (Pelicans). And Jackson will be part of a power rotation up front that includes Walker Kessler (Jazz), Bobby Portis (Bucks) and Paolo Banchero (Magic).

Jackson, who led the NBA in blocked shots last season, will benefit from the relaxed international defensive rules. Unlike the NBA, there are no rules for defensive three-second violations or goaltending with the ball in the cylinder.

Basketball Hall of Famer and Team USA managing director Grant Hill said he had a specific set of players in mind when building the current roster. Jackson, he assured, checked off many boxes. Jackson is one of nine players on the roster with at least some USA Basketball experience, although none has played in a FIBA World Cup or Olympics.

Because of that, Hill considers this a team full of “rookies” who must quickly learn and gel. But he values the quality of player and person representing each roster spot. And that includes Jackson, who has a history with Team USA’s top brass. &nbsp;

Both Hill and Team USA coach Steve Kerr played with Jackson’s father in the NBA. Kerr won a championship alongside Jaren Jackson Sr. on the Spurs title team in 1999. Hill was with the Orlando Magic when Jackson Sr. wrapped up his final NBA season in 2001-02.

“We were very thoughtful, very deliberate, very intentional about putting together the pieces to the puzzle,” Hill told the Associated Press last month. “It was not easy, but I think we got the desired result. We’re very pleased with the roster, the versatility, the complementary parts. Now, we’ve got a bigger hurdle to attempt to cross as a collective unit.”

Jackson’s priorities are in order. He resumed individual workouts soon after the No. 2-seeded Grizzlies were stunned by the Lakers in the first round of the NBA playoffs. It left a bitter taste with Jackson, who will enter the 2023-24 season as the longest-tenured Grizzlies player.

Building on his game now gives him a chance to first elevate his country in the FIBA World Cup. And then comes the task of pushing the Grizzlies firmly back into the NBA’s championship mix.

“Pretty much everything is dictated around that,” Jackson said of preparing his game and his mindset for Team USA’s challenge ahead of the NBA season. “I’ve built my schedule through it.”

This pursuit has been years in the making.&nbsp;

For Jackson and Team USA, the gold is the ultimate goal.

“Anything less,” Jackson assured, “we don’t want it.”

mikecheck-grizzlies-teammates-jackson-aldama-embrace-fiba-quests-for-gold-in-gearing-up-for-nba-season

MikeCheck: Grizzlies teammates Jackson, Aldama embrace FIBA quests for gold in gearing up for NBA season

SALT LAKE CITY – They possessed the necessary tools and figured out the essential clues.

Word is, GG Jackson and Tarik Biberovic adapted quickly, worked together and helped their group successfully emerge from an escape room challenge during a Fourth of July team activity.

The next step is unlocking their on-court potential.&nbsp;

After a day off from games, the rookie second-round draft picks will continue to get acclimated to the NBA development process when play resumes in the Salt Lake City Summer League.

“It’s a lot of new things for them all at once, and they’re still learning a lot,” said Grizzlies assistant Vitaly Potapenko, head coach of the summer league team. “It’s all about first steps for them as they get more minutes under their belts.”

That next opportunity comes Wednesday, when the Grizzlies face Oklahoma City at the Delta Center in their second of three games this week in Salt Lake City. The Grizzlies (1-0) wrap up against the Jazz on Thursday before traveling to Las Vegas for the NBA2K24 Summer League.

The Grizzlies are eager to build on Monday’s uneven performance in their opening game when they led early, struggled through the middle quarters and rallied for a 94-92 win over the 76ers. Memphis ultimately overcame its sluggish play by getting a spark from a group of second-year players who all gained varying levels of NBA experience in games last season for the Grizzlies.

Kenny Lofton Jr. (21 points, 13 rebounds), Vince Williams Jr. (19 points), David Roddy (18 points) and Jake LaRavia (12 points) all scored in double figures. The provided the experience and balance that should make the Grizzlies one of the more formidable and productive teams in both the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas summer league stops.

The team is hopeful Roddy and LaRavia can use the summer games as a springboard to compete in fall training camp for key rotation roles at the forward spots next season. Yet, these playing opportunities in July are also vital in assessing the newest prospects in the Grizzlies’ pipeline.

For the first time in four years, Grizzlies president of basketball operations and general manager Zach Kleiman did not select a player in the first round of the draft. Instead, Memphis dealt the No. 25 pick in a three-team trade to acquire veteran combo guard Marcus Smart from Boston.

The Grizzlies did use both of their second-round picks, selecting Jackson after his freshman season out of South Carolina at No. 45 and then Biberovic out of the Euro Leagues at No. 56.

Biberovic is expected to continue his development in professional leagues overseas in the coming seasons, with the Grizzlies maintaining his NBA rights. The 6-7 swingman, considered one of Europe’s emerging 3-point shooting prospects, missed all three of his attempts in 10 minutes off the bench during Monday’s summer debut.

Potapenko is encouraged by Biberovic’s work ethic as he embraces a new culture and scheme.

“With Tarik, he’s having to learn everything from the (English) language, the terminology and the system,” Potapenko said of Biberovic, who shot a combined 41 percent on threes over his last three seasons in Europe. “But he was in there competing (Monday) and didn’t mess up a lot. He’s going to get better as he gets more comfortable and more opportunities.”

Jackson, 6-9, finished with 10 points in 17 minutes as one of five Grizzlies players to reach double figures Monday. At 18 years old and the youngest player in last month’s draft class, Jackson flashed both jitters and a few jaw-dropping plays on both ends of the court.

His length and versatility allowed Jackson to score over defenders in the lane. He blocked two shots, with impactful athleticism. And he made four of eight shots, including a 3-pointer.

They’re all tools that made Jackson one of the nation’s top-rated prep prospects in the class of 2022, as well as an All-SEC freshman team selection during his lone season at South Carolina. But questions about his drive and maturity at times haunted Jackson, with scouts and analysts believing those issues contributed to his falling into the second round of the draft.

Jackson said he was told by NBA personnel during evaluations that he was a top-five talent but was young and raw. He knows there are improvements to make as he transitions to the NBA.

“I’m really about to lock in like I’ve never locked in before,” said Jackson, who had an individual pre-draft workout in Memphis. “It’s time to get down to business. This has all motivated me a lot. There’s definitely going to be a few changes, not just in my game but mentally as well.” &nbsp;

We’re just trying to coach him up on the fly. He’s done a great job of asking questions and listening, so that’s a superpower as a rookie. For him, it’s coming in and getting comfortable with the organization and getting comfortable with himself. And as he does that, it’s going to be a lot of fun watching him grow.

Kleiman acknowledged some of the challenges Jackson faces but reiterated the Grizzlies will provide the resources and development necessary to help him ultimately thrive.

“GG self-admittedly didn’t have the best freshman year . . . things with how he handled his approach to the game that he would take back,” Kleiman assessed. “He’s going to have to put in the work to really achieve his potential. We’re going to give him the structure to do that. If he can put it together, we’re very positive he has an opportunity to be an impactful NBA player.”

That path after summer league is likely to route Jackson to the Memphis Hustle, the Grizzlies’ G League affiliate. Kleiman anticipates signing Jackson to a “two-way” contract that will allow him to shuttle between the Hustle for games and workouts with the Grizzlies for his rookie season.

Jackson’s mentality and willingness to learn have impressed his Grizzlies teammates so far. During practices and games, Jackson constantly seeks out coaches and players for guidance.

“We’re just trying to coach him up on the fly,” Roddy said of his discussions with Jackson. “He’s done a great job of asking questions and listening, so that’s a superpower as a rookie. For him, it’s coming in and getting comfortable with the organization and getting comfortable with himself. And as he does that, it’s going to be a lot of fun watching him grow.”

Roddy’s had an ideal vantage point this week.

On Monday, he was on the court during Jackson’s encouraging plays.

On Tuesday, Roddy guided the two rookie draft picks through the escape room.

What’s next? A July full of growth opportunities as these newest Grizzlies grind their way through the summer development process.

mikecheck-grizzlies-open-nba-summer-development-doors-for-2nd-round-picks-jackson-biberovic

MikeCheck: Grizzlies open NBA summer development doors for 2nd-round picks Jackson, Biberovic

SALT LAKE CITY – Only three returning Grizzlies played in more games for Memphis last season than David Roddy during his rookie campaign.

Still, his first time through the league was essentially a blur.

“Experiencing an NBA season for the first time can be really tough,” Roddy said of pushing through 70 games and then a grueling first-round playoff series this past season. “That’s why you have time for decompressing, slowing down, reflecting and just recharging. The biggest thing was just understanding how to get away. Then it’s time for coming back, really working and showing up every single day for that summer season.”

That summer season is now in session for Roddy, the rugged 6-5 forward at the head of the class in NBA experience among a group of Grizzlies eager for development.&nbsp;

Roddy headlines a roster of recent draft picks, young players and aspiring prospects competing for Memphis in summer league action this month. The Grizzlies open play Monday against the 76ers in the Salt Lake City Summer League at the Delta Center.

After playing three games in a stretch of four days against the 76ers, Thunder and Jazz, the Grizzlies travel to Las Vegas for five more games at the 30-team NBA2K24 Summer League.

The Grizzlies entered July pushing forward on multiple fronts to retool the roster and upgrade depth to continue building around catalysts Jaren Jackson Jr., Ja Morant and Desmond Bane.

In the past few weeks, president of basketball operations and general manager Zach Kleiman executed a trade to add veteran guard Marcus Smart, the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year. The team is currently active during the NBA’s free-agency negotiation period while also maintaining flexibility to potentially add more talent down the line.

And then there’s the summer development process. That’s where the Grizzlies hope to extend a recent trend of their young prospects taking a leap in summer league to emerge as key rotation contributors during the NBA season.

Roddy is among second-year players on the summer roster that includes Jake LaRavia, Vince Williams Jr., Kenny Lofton Jr. and Jacob Gilyard. All five got NBA playing time last season for the Grizzlies. Kleiman and Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins declared this summer would be especially crucial for LaRavia and Roddy, who were both first-round draft picks last year.