It still feels shocking to see Jaren Jackson Jr. in another jersey outside of Memphis. Jackson Jr. got off to a strong start offensively in Utah. However, Jackson Jr. is now set to miss the rest of the season, as he will need surgery to treat a PVNS growth in his left knee.
Jackson Jr. had played in just three games so far for the Jazz and looked very comfortable on offense despite playing limited minutes. He averaged 22.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in just 24 minutes. His defensive playmaking was also on display, averaging two steals and 0.3 blocks (2.3 stocks).
It’s too early to judge if the Grizzlies made the right choice
It is way too early to make any strong judgements on the trade, but it is not difficult to see why Grizzlies fans miss Jackson Jr. While the Grizzlies simply lack available bigs because of trades and injuries, Jackson Jr. would be a stabilizing presence for a team needing more scoring and quality interior defense.
On the flip side, the trade package the Grizzlies received is intriguing with the draft capital and getting young players such as Walter Clayton Jr. and Taylor Hendricks. Kyle Anderson is also already proving to be a valuable veteran presence for the Grizzlies. While Jaren Jackson Jr. could still impact winning in Memphis, the Grizzlies are also in a prime position to capitalize on their newly found flexibility.
Jackson Jr. will not play against the Grizzlies this month
Jaren Jackson Jr. was set to make his return to Memphis on February 20. February 20 is the first home game for the Grizzlies since Jaren Jackson Jr.’s final game in Memphis on February 2. Jackson Jr. ended his Grizzlies’ tenure on a high note, scoring 30 points, but his first game against the Grizzlies will have to wait.
Given that the Grizzlies played Orlando overseas twice, Desmond Bane was also unable to play in Memphis for the first time since the trade. Jaren Jackson Jr. was in line to play against the Grizzlies before Desmond Bane was, despite being traded after. Now, Grizzlies fans will have to wait for next season to see both Bane and Jackson Jr. make their highly anticipated returns.
With the Grizzlies’ current struggles, there isn’t much excitement surrounding the team lately. There are intriguing young talents, but the losses will continue to pile up the rest of the way. Jackson Jr.’s return to Memphis was set to be one of the biggest storylines of the month, but he will have to wait until next season to face the Grizzlies.