Jaren Jackson Jr., whom the Memphis Grizzlies selected fourth-overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, has agreed to a multiyear endorsement deal with Nike, according to ESPN’s Nick DePaula.
Memphis’ #4 overall pick @JarenJacksonJr has signed a multi-year sneaker & apparel endorsement deal with Nike. pic.twitter.com/rpLRVPQoPD
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) August 30, 2018
Nike signed Miles Bridges, Jackson’s college teammate, on Tuesday.
Jackson, 18 years old, was excellent in Summer League, averaging 11.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.8 blocks per game, while putting his 3-point-shooting prowess on display, in five contests.
Jackson had a strong showing in his sole season with the Spartans, averaging 10.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.0 blocks in 21.8 minutes per game while shooting 51.3 percent from the field and 39.6 percent from 3-point range.He was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
Jackson projects to be an elite shot-blocker who can also stretch the floor with his 3-point ability. He has a chance to be the best player in the 2018 draft – not a bad investment by nike.
Nike has had competition for this year’s draft class, in the form of Puma. The latter brand awoke from its basketball slumber this summer to sign four lottery picks from the 2018 draft: Deandre Ayton, Marvin Bagley III, Zhaire Smith and Michael Porter Jr.
