The Memphis Grizzlies are expecting forward GG Jackson II back within six to eight weeks after undergoing surgery in September to repair a broken fifth metatarsal in his right foot. The Grizzlies updated Jackson’s status Wednesday and said further updates will be provided “as appropriate.”
Memphis Grizzlies forward GG Jackson II earned second-team NBA All-Rookie honors last season
Jackson said Tuesday on FanDuel’s “Run It Back” show that he’s targeting a return around mid-January. Memphis first announced Jackson’s injury on Aug. 30. The 6-foot-9 wing hurt his foot on a layup playing basketball in Texas. Jackson was Memphis’ second-round pick in the 2023 NBA draft out of South Carolina.
In 48 games (18 starts) of his rookie season, he averaged 14.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 25.7 minutes per contest while shooting 42.8% from the field, 35.7% from 3-point range, and 75.2% at the free throw line.
The @memgrizz today announced the following medical update for GG Jackson II. pic.twitter.com/yOaICQptrt
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) December 4, 2024
Jackson, who turns 20 on Dec. 17, earned second-team NBA All-Rookie honors last season and shined on an injury-riddled Grizzlies squad. Memphis finished 27-55 (.329) and 13th in the Western Conference that campaign.
Injuries to Brandon Clarke, then-Grizzlies center Steven Adams, and Jaren Jackson Jr. in the frontcourt opened up a rotational role for Jackson. This ultimately led to multiple standout performances.
Jackson dropped a then-career-high 23 points in 29 minutes off the bench against the Golden State Warriors on Jan. 15, 2024. He finished 6-of-9 (66.7%) shooting from the floor and made five 3-pointers.
Jenkins scored a career-high 44 points against the Denver Nuggets on April 14
However, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins was able to spot his noticeable flaws.
“He’s still got a lot more work to do, and I think he’d hopefully be one of the first ones to tell you that,” Jenkins said then. “Consistency and growth — [Those are] probably the biggest things that stood out… I think it’s just his feel for the game.
“Obviously, this is his first substantial, back-to-back NBA opportunity and he’s going to get some more moving forward for sure… We’re just going to keep pushing on him, saying find ways, keep correcting the things you can do better and the things you’re doing better keep working on that. Make that consistent.”
In Memphis’ 126-111 regular-season finale loss to the Denver Nuggets on April 14, he recorded a career-high 44 points on 17-of-36 (47.2%) shooting from the floor, 4-of-13 (30.8%) from deep, and 6-of-7 (85.7%) at the foul line.
The Grizzlies are now currently 14-8 and headed into Wednesday night’s games fourth in the West.
