After undergoing surgery to repair a broken fifth metatarsal in his right foot, Memphis Grizzlies forward GG Jackson will be sidelined for a substantial amount of time. Per a team release, Jackson “will be reevaluated in three months,” though he’s expected to make a full recovery.” The Grizzlies season opener against the Utah Jazz is scheduled for Oct. 23.
The @memgrizz today announced the following medical update: pic.twitter.com/PapmTOk0Ge
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) August 30, 2024
Jackson sustained the injury on Aug. 27 while playing a pickup game outside of Dallas.
The @memgrizz today announced the following medical update: pic.twitter.com/PapmTOk0Ge
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) August 30, 2024
Though selected by the Grizzlies with the 45th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Jackson’s seen as a potential cornerstone player. The youngest player in the NBA last season, he averaged 14.6 points per game, the third-highest scoring average in his draft class. His rebounding average (4.1 per game) was tied for 10th among rookies with Washington Wizards wing Bilal Coulibaly.
Grizzlies’ GG Jackson Receives Unfortunate Injury Update
After breaking out midway through his rookie campaign, Jackson earned a lot of fanfare and trust from the organization. Barring complications, his injury likely doesn’t diminish his upside. However, him returning in December may still affect his trajectory.
If Jackson had been available for training camp and preseason, he would’ve been able to challenge for a starting spot. To that point, only Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. —the Grizzlies’ Big 3 —are guaranteed to be in the first unit. Though 2024 No. 9 pick Zach Edey is projected to start as well, center is one of the hardest positions to play at the NBA level coming out of college. Furthermore, Jackson Jr. is a hybrid big man who’s more than capable of playing the pivot.
With Memphis already trying to determine who should start at small forward, this gave Jackson a great opportunity. He can play both small and power forward. He’s comfortable launching shots from beyond the arc. He has legitimate defensive upside. Last but not least, he’s 6-foot-9, whereas wings Vince Williams, John Konchar, and Luke Kennard are listed 6-foot-4 or 6-foot-5.
In essence, he gave the Grizzlies the best mix of size and skill.
Thanks to his untimely injury, Williams, Konchar, Kennard, 6-foot-7 stretch forward Jake LaRavia, and 6-foot-7 rookie Jaylen Wells now have an even better chance to open the season as the Grizzlies starting small forward. 6-foot-3 defensive specialist Marcus Smart could also enter the first unit after starting all 20 games he played last season.
