Grizzlies have a massive problem after GG Jackson’s foot injury

The Memphis Grizzlies want to prove last season was a fluke. They were decimated by injuries and won just 27 games after three consecutive years in the playoffs. It was a nightmare season in Memphis and redemption is certainly on their mind. Training camp is less than one month away, and the bad news is already coming in.

The team announced that GG Jackson suffered a foot injury requiring surgery. There was not much information, but The Athletic’s Law Murray noted that he would likely be out until January. The 19-year-old was coming off a breakout rookie season and this is certainly a massive setback. Jackson is still a building block in Memphis, but the Grizzlies have a fresh problem entering this season.

The injury gives the franchise another massive hole to fill. There were already questions about the center position with rookie Zach Edey penciled in as their starter. Now, Memphis faces a potentially larger issue on the wings and from an overall size standpoint.

Grizzlies' wing depth is a massive issue after GG Jackson’s injury

The starting five feels set with Ja Morant, Marcus Smart, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Edey. Smart will likely stagger to handle the backup point guard minutes. Memphis has Brandon Clarke, Luke Kennard, Santi Aldama, and Vince Williams Jr. ready to play in their second unit, but who else steps up for the Grizzlies?

With Jackson out, Jake LaRavia and John Konchar figure to compete for bench minutes. Memphis was counting on Jackson to fill their sixth-man role and give them some scoring punch off the bench. None of those players offer the same offensive skill set, which likely puts more on the shoulders of the Grizzlies’ three stars. Fans saw both potential replacements struggle last season, which could give teams something to target when facing Memphis.

Size is certainly a worry too. They are small in their starting backcourt with Bane being the only player over 6’3. Vince Williams is the far and away favorite to fill Jackson’s role, but he is just 6’4. Memphis may have issues matching up against teams running out 6’7-plus wings.

There is a concern about another injury hitting before training camp even begins. No franchise suffered more missed games last season than the Grizzlies, and it is becoming a disturbing trend. The Western Conference is loaded, and Memphis certainly cannot withstand another injury before the start of the regular season.

The Memphis Grizzlies already have a problem to sort out. They will likely ask for more from Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. with GG Jackson out. Having one of their young talents step up would be massive, but there are no guarantees. The Grizzlies believe they can win, and Morant is one of the best players in the world. Do not count them out.

With health, Memphis could be right back in the mix to win the conference this season. Bad start or not, better days are ahead in the Grind City.