Just over 24 hours after word broke that the Grizzlies and Jaren Jackson Jr. had agreed to a long-term deal that will pay him $240MM over the next five seasons, the team offered a more sobering update on its star big man.
According to the Grizzlies (Twitter link), Jackson sustained a turf toe injury in his right foot while participating in a “live basketball run offsite.” After evaluation, it was determined that the injured will require a procedure to address.
The Grizzlies haven’t yet provided a recovery timeline for Jackson, indicating that they’ll share another update once he has had the procedure. However, the recovery process from a turf toe procedure is measured in months, not weeks. Ajay Mitchell of the Thunder, for instance, missed more than three months after having a turf toe sprain addressed in January.
The hope in Memphis will be that Jackson is ready to go for training camp, or at least the start of the season, but the team certainly won’t rush the process.With a new mega-deal in hand and fresh off his second All-Star season, Jackson will be a crucial part of the Grizzlies’ postseason aspirations in 2025/26.
The 25-year-old averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.2 steals in 29.8 minutes per game this past season, recording a shooting line of .488/.375/.781. In addition to his All-Star berth, he earned a spot on the All-Defensive second team.
Jackson is the second member of the Grizzlies’ frontcourt to undergo a procedure since the end of the season. Center Zach Edey is expected to miss the start of the 2025/26 campaign after undergoing ankle surgery in June.
Hardwood Court Toe?
The Basketball Gods obviously hate Memphis…