Jaren Jackson Jr. injury, starting lineup and other news from Memphis Grizzlies media day
Jaren Jackson Jr. spoke publicly to reporters at FedExForum on Monday for the first time since suffering a right foot injury.
A stress fracture procedure was announced by the Memphis Grizzlies at the beginning of July and given a 4-to-6 month timeline. General manager Zach Kleiman, coach Taylor Jenkins and Jackson each provided updates on Jackson’s recovery.
“I’m feeling good,” the 6-foot-11 power forward said. “It hurt a little bit, but nothing too bad.”
“He’s been here literally everyday pouring in effort towards that process,” Kleiman added. “As of right now, what we’re looking at is still a return within the timeframe that we put out originally.”
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When Jenkins discussed Jackson, he seemed reluctant to rule out a return at the beginning of the season. When asked about playing on opening day on Oct. 19 against the New York Knicks, Jackson said, “probably not.”
The initial recovery timeline has Jackson slated to return between November and January. A return at the beginning of December would mean Jackson missing 22 games.
His chances of winning the Defensive Player of the Year aren’t as high, but still possible. Last season’s Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert missed 16 games.
“I want it badly,” Jackson said of the award.
One of the biggest Grizzlies questions is who will step in at power forward while Jackson is out.
Ziaire Williams, Dillon Brooks, Brandon Clarke, Jake LaRavia, David Roddy and Santi Aldama were all mentioned as possibilities who could replace Jackson. Jenkins noted that chemistry will be important. The team will also emphasize defensive versatility as the most important skillset, but shooting and playmaking will also be keys.
“I think there’s a lot of avenues we can go,” Jenkins said. “We’ve been putting our thinking caps on, understanding that we got a lot of great depth and we can go a lot of directions.”
Jenkins added that the Grizzlies have already started mapping out how players will play in the preseason. Memphis will mix lineup combinations that will help determine which players play well with others. Memphis plays at the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday in the first exhibition game.
“There’s going to be so many different ways we’re going to look at the starting spot.”
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies give Jaren Jackson Jr. update, plus starting lineup
