NBA Rookie GG Jackson Gets Starstruck by Shaquille O'Neal During TNT Postgame Interview
Jackson, the youngest player in the NBA, scored 23 points in Memphis' win over the Golden State Warriors on Monday
After Memphis Grizzlies' GG Jackson scored 23 points in a victory over the Golden State Warriors on Monday, the 19-year-old rookie couldn't hide his excitement while chatting with NBA on TNT during a postgame interview.
An especially sweet moment happened when Jackson, who is currently the youngest player in the NBA, heard basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal's voice asking him a question during the segment.
"GG, Shaq here. I don't have a question. I just want to say congratulations, young fella," O'Neal, 51, said on the broadcast, which Jackson could hear through a headset.
The Grizzlies rookie's face immediately lit up with surprise and emotion when he heard O'Neal's voice.
"You played a hell of a game, and if people didn't know who you were, they know who you are now," O'Neal continued. "I'm so proud of you. Congratulations on being ready, brother," the four-time NBA champion added.
"Well, sir, it's an honor to get to hear your voice," Jackson responded.
After the sweet interaction, O'Neal's TNT co-host Charles Barkley chimed in, joking that Jackson "could tell it was Shaq because he was mumbling," which got a chuckle out of the player.
Youngest player in the NBA, GG Jackson's reaction when he heard Shaq interviewing him after dropping 23 PTS ❤️ pic.twitter.com/hfpIXCnY6N
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 16, 2024
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Jackson's stellar performance against Golden State's star-studded roster of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green came during his fourth game in the league.
Two days prior, he scored 20 points in a loss to the New York Knicks, putting Jackson in a group with LeBron James and Kevin Durant as the three youngest players in NBA history to score 20+ points in consecutive games, according to GTV Hoops.
Drafted by Memphis, Jackson was the South Carolina Basketball Gatorade Player of the Year and a two-time state champion with Ridge View High School.
Next, the Grizzlies will travel to Minnesota to take on the Timberwolves.
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