Grizzlies receive new update on possible return of stud guard

The Memphis Grizzlies have been plagued by key player absences throughout these infancy stages of the 2023-24 campaign, with a plethora of talents missing varying degrees of time due to health-related issues.

One of the more recent victims of the injury bug is sharpshooting guard Luke Kennard, who has been sidelined for the last eight games while suffering from a left knee bone bruise.

Though an ailment that was initially difficult to predict a timetable for return, on December 3 the Grizzlies PR team came out with an update on the veteran's status and noted that he is "expected" to make his return to action within two to three weeks.

Grizzlies guard Luke Kennard expected to return 'within 2-3 weeks'

Acquired at last season's trade deadline, Kennard quickly established himself as a stud contributor for the Grizzlies, providing a much-needed brand of long-range shooting efficiency where, before his first game in navy, blue, and gold, they ranked within the bottom 10 in the association, as he has shot at a scorching 49.7 percent clip from beyond the arc throughout his tenure.

The 27-year-old saw himself get off to a rather slow start to his second season in the 38103, as he missed 15 of his first 17 three-point attempts and was averaging just 3.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists through November 3.

However, during the following four games it appeared as if Kennard had found a way to snap out of his slump, as he was posting an impressive stat-line of 13.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while shooting a whopping 56.3 percent from the floor and 57.7 percent from deep.

Unfortunately, this stretch came to a screeching halt when he left the game against the Lakers on November 14 in the first period and, as a result, has been sidelined ever since. Hopefully, upon his expected return come late-December, he can find a way to pick up where he left off.

In the meantime, the Grizzlies will continue to look toward their active crop of wing options to fill in for his rotational void, with the recently re-signed Jaylen Nowell voicing his desire to serve as a "spark" at the position.