The Memphis Grizzlies were hopeful to forget last season's injury-riddled season as everyone healed and remained relatively healthy throughout the offseason. Outside of Zach Edey's ankle sprain in Summer League, the most significant injury news they had during the summer was Ja Morant being fully cleared for contact in early July.
However, information changed in early September when one of the lone bright spots from last season, GG Jackson, had surgery to repair a broken fifth metatarsal in his right foot. This injury will keep him out for at least three months, leading to the Grizzlies having to find his replacement in the rotation for the first month and a half of the regular season.
As much of a blow as that was for both GG and the Grizzlies, the team employs adequate replacements that can help in the interim as he heals.
1. Jake LaRavia
Jake LaRavia began his career with the Grizzlies as a first-round pick in the 2022 NBA draft, expecting to provide the team with more shooting. That expectation didn't manifest itself in his rookie season as Jake shot only 38.9% from the field and 33.8% from three in 35 games played during his rookie year. Last season's stats were similar in totality as he finished with the same exact field goal percentage and only a slight bump in three-point percentage (34%) in the same number of games.
However, his last three games to finish the 2023-24 season is what gave the team and the fanbase hope for his potential as he averaged 29.7 points and 5 rebounds on 54.9% shooting from the field and 53.5% from three. After a solid showing in the Grizzlies Summer League championship game run, LaRavia looked to be battling for a rotation spot in training camp.
Now, it is time for the battle as he looks to get the first crack at replacing GG Jackson in the rotation to begin the season.
2. John Konchar
John Konchar is the ultimate plug-and-play guy who knows his role and won't do much to differ from it. He has always been a good rebounder for his size (6'5") and is a decent shooter, though he shot a career-low from three last season (31.7%).
He can also play multiple positions on the court as his ball handling is good enough for him to get some stints starting at point guard last season. He can also hold his own when playing small ball at power forward because of his rebounding prowess. Konchar is the safe option to replace GG but offers the least amount of upside.
3. Jaylen Wells
Here comes the rookie second-round pick, who was touted as a sharpshooter and solid defender. Listed at 6'8", Jaylen Wells is exactly the type of player the Grizzlies would want to fill in for GG Jackson in his absence, but his rookie status is of most concern,
The Grizzlies are looking to compete for a championship, and though GG will be out at the beginning of the season, the team can't afford to get off to a slow start in the stacked Western Conference. Jaylen Wells has the prototype of a player who could be the perfect replacement, but he was a second-round draft pick for a reason.
His Summer League performance began slowly, but he got better as he played more games. Wells showed poise at a time when he could've allowed his early struggles to take control, and that bodes well for his prospect as a rotation piece down the road. He has a huge opportunity to make his bright future a now-future.