Memphis Grizzlies stars Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. are inching closer to eventually taking the floor.
Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo provided updates on Jackson and Morant, who have yet to take the floor in preseason action.
“Both guys are progressing really well and are able to do signifcantly more than one week ago,” Iisalo said.
Morant suffered a left akle sprain during a practice on Oct 5. He was listed as week-to-week by the team.
On Oct. 13, Iisalo said that Morant remains week-to-week, but his latest updated reveals that the star Grizzlies point guard has made significant process. It also helps that Morant himself has essentially said not to worry about his status.
Morant was also dressed out on Oct. 14 in practice uniform.
 “If I’m smiling and I ain’t telling you to worry, you ain’t got to worry,” Morant said on Oct. 9.
Jackson’s situation is a little different. The 6-foot-11 big man had a right toe procedure in July. The Grizzlies announced on Sept. 26 that Jackson would return to play in 4-to-6 weeks.
Four weeks from that date would be the Grizzlies’ second game of the season, but Jackson hasn’t been ruled out for the season oepner.
While Jackson may not be 100% yet, he has still been able to get practice time on the floor with his teammates. Count one of his newest teammates, Jock Landale, among those counting down to his debut.
“We played together maybe second day of training camp, and I just said having that knowledge that there’s a guy behind you that’s like an All-NBA, defensive player of the year and all that stuff . . . having a guy like that who is so elite defensively, provides you a freedom.”
The Grizzlies will open the season on Oct. 22 at home against the New Orleans Pelicans. Memphis has two road preseason games remaining, starting with Oct. 15 against the Charlotte Hornets.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.