“Looked like he’s been in league for 100 years,” Truth about Luka Doncic’s rookie year in NBA revealed by Memphis star

Memphis Grizzlies star, Jaren Jackson Jr talks about his fellow Draft inductee Luka Doncic and shared the moment he knew Doncic was a star.

“Looked like he’s been in league for 100 years,” Truth about Luka Doncic’s rookie year in NBA revealed by Memphis star

Jaren Jackson Jr talks about Luka Doncic (image via NBA)

The 2018 NBA Draft showcased a strong pool of talent that is still remembered today. This draft was filled with future All-Stars and valuable role players. Standout players from the 2018 Draft include stars like Luka Doncic, Trae Young, and Jaren Jackson Jr, as well as late gems such as Mikal Bridges and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Jaren Jackson Jr, a star player for the Memphis Grizzlies, recently discussed his initial impressions of fellow draftee Luka Doncic.

While discussing the NBA 2K25 Ratings Reveal, Jaren Jackson Jr shared his initial impression of Luka Doncic before the 2018 NBA Draft. Jackson recounted how everyone was talking about Doncic as soon as he entered the draft bus. He also mentioned watching Doncic in the early games of his rookie season. Jackson expressed that witnessing Luka play for the first time made it seem like he had already been in the league for a long time.

Doncic was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks as the third overall pick. However, they later went on to swap their pick with the Dallas Mavericks who had drafted Trae Young. Doncic was entering the draft as one of the best young European players. He had many awards and achievements under his name as he entered the draft. The Slovenian even went on to win the Rookie of the Year over Trae Young.

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Jackson was drafted fourth overall by the Grizzlies. He was considered one of the best big in the draft alongside the number one pick DeAndre Ayton. Jackson showed great promise on the defensive end of the court highlighted by him winning the Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. Since getting drafted Jackson has been the anchor of the Grizzlies’ whole defense.

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Kevin Garnett mentored Jaren Jackson Jr before he entered the 2018 NBA Draft

It’s been six years since Jaren Jackson Jr got drafted into the NBA. Since then he established himself as an All-Star. He earned the Defensive Player of the Year award during the 2022/23 season, fulfilling his potential. However, he benefited from the support of some exceptional players.

NBA legend Kevin Garnett was one of Jackson’s mentors as he was entering the draft. Recently on ‘All the Smoke’ podcast, Garnett talked about the experience of mentoring JJJ. Garnett stated that the passion Jackson had and the way he worked on himself just to get better impressed him.

Jaren’s found his own way, and he’s found his own kind of lane, and he’s just pursuing it. I love his passion. I love how he sees the world… He has a similar drive to myself, an over-the-top work ethic which is more satisfying than anything. The way [he] works was refreshing to be with.
Kevin Garnett via All The Smoke

Garnett was also known for a great work ethic. Just like Jackson even Garnett had a great defensive game and even went to win the Defensive Player of the Year in 2008. Jackson does not play as physically as KG, but he loves to block shots, which has become his forte in the NBA.

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