The Memphis Grizzlies have announced that rising star GG Jackson will be out for at least three months after undergoing surgery on his right foot. The injury, a broken fifth metatarsal, will see Jackson re-evaluated in December, though it’s expected he might miss even more time. For a team looking to bounce back from a rough 2023-24 season, this news serves as a blow to their preseason momentum.
Jackson, who had a breakout rookie campaign, was pegged to play a crucial role off the bench this season. Averaging 14.6 points and 4.1 rebounds across 48 games, his development had become a key component of the Grizzlies’ plans. His absence not only creates a hole in the lineup but raises questions about whether the Grizzlies have enough depth to maintain a strong start to the 2024-25 season.
EXTENDED ABSENCE FOR JACKSON COULD LEAD TO LONG-TERM ISSUES
According to The Athletic’s Law Murray, Jackson is likely to remain sidelined until at least January. Given his youth and the importance of his development to the franchise, the Grizzlies are unlikely to rush his return. This means Jackson will be out for a significant chunk of the season, forcing Memphis to adapt their rotations in the meantime.
Without Jackson, the Grizzlies’ bench scoring takes a hit. He was expected to bring much-needed shot creation off the bench, something the team now lacks behind veterans like Derrick Rose. While Rose is still a capable scorer, the 35-year-old is far from the MVP-caliber player he once was, and counting on him for major minutes could be risky.
Coach Taylor Jenkins may have to stagger the minutes of stars Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Marcus Smart to compensate for the lack of scoring depth. This adds additional pressure to an already thin rotation, especially with the Grizzlies already struggling with depth due to last season’s injuries.
CAN MEMPHIS AVOID ANOTHER INJURY-PLAGUED SEASON?
Jackson’s injury adds to a growing concern in Memphis about whether they have enough depth to weather the season. Last year, the team was decimated by injuries, leading to a disastrous 27-win season. The Grizzlies can’t afford a similar outcome, especially in a competitive Western Conference.
While Jackson’s recovery is important for his long-term development, his absence may expose other weaknesses in the team, particularly if other key players miss time. Memphis needs to be cautious with their young star and ensure he’s 100% healthy before making his return, but in the meantime, the Grizzlies’ depth will be tested.
GG Jackson’s injury is a major blow for the Grizzlies, and his absence could have a significant impact on their early-season success.
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