Memphis Grizzlies: 3 questions remaining for the second half of the season

Will Jaren Jackson Jr.’s return to the Memphis Grizzlies be soon enough?

Based on the caution that the Grizzlies have taken with Jaren Jackson Jr.’s recovery, you have to assume that this team is more concerned with his longevity than this team’s instant success. At least, that’s what an 8-month recovery would imply, especially considering the fact that meniscus surgeries usually require 3-6 month rehabs.

At this point, you have to assume that Jackson Jr. will return soon. We were expected to see an update on his injury status in late March or in early April, but nothing has come out yet. That said, we’re left with a couple of questions regarding his return.

• Will JJJ have enough time to get back into a groove?
• Can this team sustain success before he returns?

With this year’s Grizzlies, we have witnessed a net positive experience. Memphis has exceeded expectations but has some clear vulnerabilities. Most of these vulnerabilities will be healed with JJJ’s return but it’s starting to look like this team is going to have to put themselves into a playoff position without him.

The Grizz are over halfway through their season, so the longer the young star is out, the more this team is going to develop without him. More importantly, this will give Jackson Jr. less time to build team chemistry before Taylor Jenkins’ team plays against the league’s toughest competition.