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Memphis Grizzlies: Ramifications of Jaren Jackson Jr Being ‘Sidelined for the Foreseeable Future’

By Christian Dudley

CHARLOTTE, NC - FEBRUARY 15: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the U.S. Team sits in the locker room before the 2019 Mtn Dew ICE Rising Stars Game on February 15, 2019 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler /NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - FEBRUARY 15: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the U.S. Team sits in the locker room before the 2019 Mtn Dew ICE Rising Stars Game on February 15, 2019 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler /NBAE via Getty Images) /
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After missing Friday’s matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers, the Memphis Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr continue to nurse an injury for precautionary reasons.

At the start of Friday’s fourth quarter between the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Clippers, news broke via ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski regarding the recent injury belonging to standout rookie Jaren Jackson Jr.

Jackson Jr. was a late scratch from the game, previously listed as “questionable” by the Grizzlies prior to the final decision being made for him to sit it out. Following the eventual 112-106 home loss for Memphis, Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff offered insight on Jaren’s injury update, as seen directly below.

Something important to note is that Jaren Jackson Jr. last played in last Friday’s Rising Stars Challenge during NBA All-Star Weekend. Jaren was the last player to check into the game for Team USA and received just 15 minutes and 32 seconds of action.

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Though he had a decent showing while representing the Memphis Grizzlies, Jackson Jr. did not seem to be exerting much effort in running up and down the court. Yes, it was a meaningless game, but something seemed off with him. Plus, when he checked out of the Rising Stars Challenge for the first time, he took a seat on the floor and appeared to stretch his right quad.

Perhaps this was nothing relative to today’s injury news, but it really makes Grizz Nation think. Was this injury sustained during NBA All-Star Weekend? Or was it in practice leading into Friday’s game against the Clippers?

While those questions do not really matter at this point, all eyes are focused on the final 22 regular season games left on the schedule for the Memphis Grizzlies. This was supposed to be Jaren Jackson Jr.’s time to shine with Marc Gasol removed from the roster.

Plus, one big reason Mike Conley was retained at the early-February NBA Trade Deadline was largely in part of him being an astute mentor for the 19-year-old future face of the Grizzlies franchise. This final span of the 2018-19 NBA season should be the biggest spell of growth for “Triple-J,” but now all of that is in question.

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In approaching the last full month of games, there simply is not much time for Jaren to heal and then return to action, especially with it sounding as if the Grizzlies will take their time with this recovery process. It would not be surprising to see him sit out the remainder of the season, if we are being completely honest.

This will open even more of an opportunity for Chandler Parsons to log minutes at the power forward position. Plus, Ivan Rabb will get extended minutes — even more than he has logged since entering the starting lineup over the past couple of weeks.

Still, though those aspects have been priorities for the Grizzlies as of late, the Michigan State product has remained the most important piece to the puzzle for Memphis — both now and in future seasons. This will be his team, and most importantly, the Grizz need his health to be in top shape. A lot of weight already rests on Jackson Jr.’s shoulders.

The underlying factor is this also greatly impacts Memphis’ chance of conveying their 2019 first-round NBA Draft pick. At this point in the season, they need to win games in order to satisfy this common goal of theirs, and Jaren Jackson Jr’s absense is a direct hit to their chances of winning regardless of opponent.

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This latest news story surrounding the Memphis Grizzlies is certainly major. It is as big — if not bigger — than the deal that sent Marc Gasol to the Toronto Raptors. This is the franchise’s future we are talking about, and of all the members of the roster to sustain an injury this season, this is the one everyone has feared the most.

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