Memphis Grizzlies: Jaren Jackson Jr. will make his 2020-21 debut

For Memphis Grizzlies fans, this is a day that has been long-awaited. After playing the end of last season without Jaren Jackson Jr., fans had to wait. His return was originally anticipated to be somewhere around the NBA All-Star break.

That time frame came and went, as Jaren Jackson Jr.‘s return was beginning to become a myth on Beale Street. Finally, an update was given, telling fans that he would return to the court in late April.

Well, it’s late April now.

On Wednesday night, JJJ will finally make his 2020-21 season debut in Los Angeles against the Clippers. Grizzlies PR made the announcement in a tweet that can be seen below:

His return could not have come at a better time, as Memphis is currently in the midst of a brutal road stretch. They’ll look to come out of it with a winning record and Jaren Jackson Jr. can play a huge part in that.

Memphis Grizzlies storylines to keep an eye on in JJJ’s return

One storyline to keep an eye on is how the rotation changes with JJJ back. The team will almost be at full strength, with Jonas Valanciunas out with a concussion. This may cause the Grizzlies to play small-ball, with Jackson Jr. filling in at the center spot and the rest of the regular starting lineup remaining intact.

Team chemistry may take a small hit, as the Grizzlies will be inserting a player into the lineup who hasn’t been on the court for the past eight months. That said, they should bounce back as they adjust to playing basketball with one another in the coming weeks.

The Grizzlies will also have to tweak their playstyle to fit his return, just as they had to change their game plans in his absence. Expect a Memphis team that is full of energy to take the court on Wednesday night, as this will be as healthy as they’ve been all season long.

JJJ’s playing time may be limited as he reassimilates himself back into NBA basketball. Fouls may be high, but it’ll be great to see him back out on the court.