MEMPHIS, Tenn. _ The early returns on the 2018 NBA draft class have been overwhelmingly positive.
Hardly a game goes by when the Mavericks don't run into a rookie who is on a rapid rise to prominence. And of course, they are thrilled with Luka Doncic.
On Monday, they got their first look at Jaren Jackson Jr., who was drafted fourth, one spot behind Doncic, by the Memphis Grizzlies, who halted the Mavericks' four-game winning streak 98-88 with some exceptional defense in the last five minutes at FedEx Forum.
In Phoenix, Deandre Ayton has restored hope to that franchise. In Sacramento, they are thrilled with Marvin Bagley, as is Cleveland with Colin Sexton and Atlanta with Trae Young. Last week in Chicago, Rick Carlisle said Bulls' rookie Wendell Carter Jr. likely would have been the Maveicks' pick at No. 5 had they not traded up to get Doncic.
There are strong contributors everywhere among the rookie class.
Doncic, so far, has been the best of the bunch.
But in Jackson, the Grizzlies have found a keeper as the 6-11 product of Michigan State has shown in the last few games. He had averaged 17.7 points in the Grizzlies' three-game winning streak that they brought into Monday's meeting with the Mavericks.
And Doncic got an up-close look at Jackson's combination of size and quickness.
Early in the second quarter, Jackson picked Doncic's pocket on the 3-point line and took the steal the length of the court for a twisting layup and three-point play. It was the kind of freakish athletic play that big men are making more and more these days.
And it was another sign that Jackson, like Doncic and most of the other players taken high in June's draft, is headed for a big career.
"He was considered to be one of those top four guys," coach Rick Carlisle said of Jackson. "There's varying opinions on who would be best of the four or the best for this team or that team. But he's showing particularly in the last couple of games why he's a high pick and why they're so high on him here."
Jackson scored 11 points in the first quarter to keep the Grizzlies in front of the Mavericks. He finished with 13. He came into Monday's game fifth among rookies in scoring at 12.7 points per game, sixth in rebounding (4.7) and 12th in assists (1.3).
Doncic leads all rookies in scoring at 19.5, is third in rebounding (6.6) and second in assists (4.2).
"He's a unique player, very tall and very skilled," Carlisle said of Jackson. "He shoots the ball with range and he can put it on the floor and he can post up. It's no fluke. The guy's a very, very good player and a first-rate defensive player."
