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Grizzlies' early season problem could recreate nightmare scenario

PTSD is a real thing

By Parish Sharkey

Mar 2, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (left), guard Ja Morant (middle) and forward-center Jaren Jackson Jr. (right) react from the bench during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Mar 2, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (left), guard Ja Morant (middle) and forward-center Jaren Jackson Jr. (right) react from the bench during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images / Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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"Caution" has been the word that has been used a lot by coach Taylor Jenkins as the Memphis Grizzlies have had to address multiple injuries as the team ramps up for the 2024-25 season. After the record-breaking use of 33 players in an NBA season due to a plethora of unforeseen injuries, the Grizzlies were hoping to wipe the slate clean coming into this season.

However, on August 30th (one month before media day), the Grizzlies announced that second-year forward GG Jackson suffered a broken fifth metatarsal in his right foot while playing basketball and announced that he would be reevaluated in three months after successful surgery on September 4th. As big of a blow as that was to hear, things happen and he is the youngest player on the team.

Then on September 27th, right before training camp, the team announced that third-year wing Vince Williams Jr. experienced pain in his left shin and tests revealed a stress reaction in the upper portion of his tibia. This injury would be reevaluated in four weeks from that time, meaning he is doubtful to return by opening night, which he confirmed on media day.

Again, these were blows, especially to the wing rotation and happening to the two bright spots from the injury-filled 2023-24 season but the team could manage when considering that Vince Williams Jr. isn't expected to be out too long after the season begins.

Training Camp and Preseason Injuries

The problem the Grizzlies' franchise and fanbase now face is PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) from the previous season and with two early injuries, the thought creeps in that the 2024-25 season may have the same story. Typically, training camp injuries are always a thing throughout the league as players suffer minor sprains and strains due to live practice and game action.

That's exactly what the Grizzlies have dealt with since training camp began and even right before it as two-way rookie guard Cam Spencer suffered an ankle sprain the Friday before media day that has kept him out of the preseason so far. Jaren Jackson Jr. suffered a low-grade hamstring strain on the first day of training camp, which has kept him out of preseason as well so far.

The first preseason game saw Ja Morant suffer a minor ankle sprain and the second preseason game saw Marcus Smart suffer a knee bruise. Both players returned to those games after suffering the injury before leaving again due to discomfort. The standing line has been, using caution with these injuries but also understanding that if this was the regular season then Morant, Smart, and Jackson Jr. would all likely be available.

On the outside looking in it is understandable to be concerned because of the past but, this is typical for all teams during this time, and granted everything goes smoothly from here on out, the Grizzlies will have their full roster (minus GG Jackson) before the end of this month.

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