After the miserable season the Memphis Grizzlies just had, it’s easy to forget how talented and capable a team they are.
They have one of the better and more exciting players in the NBA in Ja Morant, a solid second scoring option in Desmond Bane, an excellent center in Jaren Jackson Jr., and a defensive menace in guard Marcus Smart.
Last season, a couple of young players such as GG Jackson II and Scotty Pippen Jr. took advantage of the rash of injuries Memphis suffered and proved they’re capable of contributing on a consistent basis.
Unfortunately, they have suffered a blow in the form of a broken right foot Jackson suffered a few days ago, and he will have to undergo surgery as a result, per Shams Charania.
Grizzlies say GG Jackson II sustained a broken right foot while playing basketball outside of Dallas on Aug. 27 and will undergo surgery.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 30, 2024
Not a lot was expected from Jackson when the Grizzlies took him with the No. 45 overall pick in the second round of last year’s draft.
But the 6-foot-9 forward started to get significant playing time at midseason, and he made the most of it.
For the year, he averaged 14.6 points a game, and he put up 18.2 points a game in his last 31 games of the season.
Jackson has plenty of room for improvement, as he can greatly improve his 3-point shooting and overall efficiency, but he is one of several players who can help Memphis make a lot of noise this coming season.
The team may not become a legitimate championship contender, but it should be able to win at least one playoff series next spring.
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Grizzlies Release Veteran Forward