April 3, 2024; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) reacts during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Feather Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images Memphis Grizzlies standout Jaren Jackson Jr. injured his hamstring during the team's first practice of the season on Tuesday.
Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins said Jackson felt tightness in his hamstring while driving to the basket and will undergo imaging tests.
“We anticipate that this may cause stress,” Jenkins told reporters.
There's a chance Jackson will miss the preseason. In fact, his condition could affect his playing time when the Grizzlies take on the host Utah Jazz in their regular-season opener on Oct. 23.
Jenkins didn't want to consider the possibility.
“We're not sure about the timeline,” Jackson said.
The 25-year-old Jackson played in 66 games last season, averaging a career-high 22.5 points per game. He averaged 5.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.
A season ago, Jackson was an All-Star and NBA Defensive Player of the Year when he led the league with 3.0 blocks per game. He also leads the way with 2.3 blocks per game in 2021-22.
Overall, Jackson averaged 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in 333 games (324 starts).
The Grizzlies finished with a 27-55 record last season after making the playoffs in each of the previous three seasons.
–Scene-level media