GG Jackson II‘s introduction to Chris Paul did not come on an NBA floor. It came on the grassroots circuit, when Jackson was a high school prospect trying to earn a roster spot in Paul’s AAU program on the Nike EYBL circuit.
He made the team, and the connection never really went away.
“Chris Paul has been a day one for me for a long time,” Jackson told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “His AAU organization was probably the first big-time program I was aware of, and he took a chance on me. Not just him, but his brother and his mom too. They’re a very family-oriented group, and that support really helped me throughout my career.”
Paul announced his retirement earlier this year after 19 NBA seasons. He made 12 All-Star teams, won four assists titles, and finished fifth on the NBA’s all-time assists list with 12,015.
“Seeing him step away from the game is tough,” Jackson said to DallasHoopsJournal.com. “But he’s done more than enough to leave a lasting mark on the league.”
Paul was an active participant in his program rather than a figurehead. Jackson spent his time in it learning how one of the best point guards in NBA history approached the game, an experience he has credited as foundational to his development.
“I’ve always had a lot of respect for him — he’s a top-10 point guard of all time, for sure,” Jackson told DallasHoopsJournal.com.
In May 2023, Paul flew to Chicago for Jackson’s pre-draft workout — still an active player, still in the building.
Their history did not factor into how they competed once they shared an NBA floor. In three career games against Paul, Jackson averaged 22.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while shooting 56.1% from the field and 47.8% from 3-point range. On March 20, 2024, Jackson scored 35 points on 11-of-19 shooting against Paul and the Golden State Warriors. Paul has joked that Jackson still calls him “coach.” Paul called it one of the stranger parts of his final NBA seasons.
Jackson, 21, is in his third NBA season with Memphis. He is averaging 11.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 44 games. Since the All-Star break, he has averaged 17.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 11 games while shooting 51.8% from the field. He turns 21 in August.
Paul, 40, finishes his career with 21,483 points and 12,015 assists.
Latest NBA News & Rumors
- NBA News: Dallas Mavericks Likely To Sit Klay Thompson Against Memphis Grizzlies
- NBA News: ‘I’ve Been Staying Ready’: Olivier-Maxence Prosper Opens Up About His Journey To Memphis Grizzlies [Exclusive]
- NBA News: Sacramento Kings, Miami Heat Showed Modest Trade Interest In Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant
- NBA News: Memphis Grizzlies Intend To Trade Ja Morant In Offseason
