One of the Memphis Grizzlies’ rookies has suffered a minor injury. At this point, it was inevitable given the team’s history.
Typically you can associate at least one big thing with any NBA franchise. For instance, most people associate winning with the Boston Celtics. Legends with the Los Angeles Lakers. Class for the San Antonio Spurs. The list goes on.
When the Memphis Grizzlies come into the discussion, their description is not as glamorous. “Injuries” is a word even the most casual of basketball fans associate with the Grizz. In the past, it has been so bad that the popular television game show “Jeopardy” had “Memphis Grizzlies” as an answer to a question. This was pertinent to the team’s record-setting number of players signed in the 2015-16 season.
Looking at the team’s most recent season, Mike Conley‘s health has been a major talking point. He appeared in just 12 of 82 games in 2017-18 while collecting the largest paycheck on the squad. However, it is not just Conley. Another one of the Grizzlies’ maximum contracts — Chandler Parsons — has appeared in just 70 games in two full seasons with Memphis.
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It is not just veterans sustaining injuries. The Memphis Grizzlies have seen a string of rookies — year over year — become stung by the injury bug. These have oftentimes occurred prior to the start of the regular season.
For instance, there was Jordan Adams in 2014. A first round pick. The Grizzlies gave him two season before pulling the plug on the experiment. Ultimately, he could not overcome injuries to display his full offensive potential. Adams continues to find his way back to the NBA to this day.
In 2015, Memphis selected Jarell Martin in the first round. It took a good bit of time for Grizz Nation to witness his game because he was hit with injuries immediately as he began his professional career. From a fractured foot to ankle injuries, it did not look good for Jarell’s career. Eventually, he overcame these nuisances and other obstacles to produce a solid 2017-18 season.
Next in line, Ivan Rabb did not appear in NBA Summer League action for the Memphis Grizzlies one year ago. Fans were incredibly intrigued with the big man prospect, but a left ankle injury sidelined him. Rabb was an incredibly raw talent at the time, so he was not expected to play many regular season minutes. Regardless, he was another Grizzly on the injured list.
2018 is no different. Things had been going too smoothly for Memphis. On Thursday, Michael Wallace of the Memphis Grizzlies’ Grind City Media shared the news of a minor injury sustained by the team’s second round NBA Draft selection.
Hearing a full recovery is anticipated and the @memgrizz should have a timeframe for recovery and return to play following surgery. https://t.co/nRlUBLMZxX
— Michael Wallace (@MyMikeCheck) August 9, 2018
The Grizz just cannot avoid news of an injury — minor or major. At this point, fans just have to accept it. It is inevitable that this franchise is glued to the injury bug. The great news for Carter and the Memphis Grizzlies is that their promising rookie guard will be ready for the season.
With the tremendous amount of potential the team’s other rookie — Jaren Jackson Jr. — exhibits, Grizz Nation should be equally excited about Jevon. Jevon Carter had a strong showing throughout July’s summer league games. His mentality, the way he approaches games, is a perfect fit for the city and the team.
Beale Street Bears wishes a speedy recovery to Jevon Carter so he can return to tormenting opposing backcourts.
Go Grizz!