Memphis Grizzlies forward GG Jackson II has suffered “a broken fifth metatarsal in his right foot” on Aug. 27, “after attempting a contested layup,” per a team report. An update will be provided after Jackson undergoes surgery on Sept. 4.
The @memgrizz today announced the following medical update: pic.twitter.com/PapmTOk0Ge
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) August 30, 2024
Last season, the 19-year-old averaged 14.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game after being selected 45th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft. Taking advantage of the opportunity he received from his teammates’ injuries, he posted 20.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game as a starter. A perimeter-oriented scorer at 6-foot-9, Jackson’s offensive upside has him set for a permanent spot in the Grizzlies’ rotation.
The Ripple Effects Of Grizzlies’ GG Jackson II Injury Report
One can only speculate for now but, based on the typical recovery time for Jackson’s injury, he’s likely to miss six to eight weeks. If so, he could be ready the Grizzlies’ season opener against the Utah Jazz, on Oct. 23. However, because he’ll have missed training camp and preseason, he could need to get in game condition. His on-court chemistry with his teammates may also be behind the curve.
There are two ways Memphis could approach this situation.
On the one hand, they could feel its best to get him up to speed quickly. Whether the Grizzlies were leaning towards starting him or bring him off the bench, he’d be in the rotation as soon as he returned. Yet, there’s a chance that could be more cautious — or patient, depending on the person telling the story. In that event, the Grizzlies could have Jackson play for their G League team while he recovers.
Moving Up The Ladder
There’s also a question is whether one of his teammates will step up in his absence. Memphis has a relatively deep frontcourt, with Santi Aldama, Brandon Clarke, Jake LaRavia, and Jaylen Wells now in position to climb up the ladder.
In this quartet, Clarke may have the upper hand. Prior to his injury plagued seasons, his energy and two-way impact made him a valuable asset. However, Aldama is fresh off of averaging 17.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game in the Paris Olympics. Just as importantly, he knocked down 45.0 percent of his 3s. As a career 33.3 percent shooter in the NBA, keeping up his Olympic efficiency is key for his future.
LaRavia and Wells will be on the outside looking in.
At one point of his career, LaRavia was hoped to be a quality stretch-forward. Despite averaging a career-high 10.8 points per game in 2023-24, he’s been particularly streaky, shooting 33.9 percent from 3. Wells, a rookie, made 41.7 percent of his 3-point attempts at Washington State last season. He then made 36.6 percent of his long bombs in Summer League.
