The Memphis Grizzlies just couldn’t catch a break when it comes to injuries. On Wednesday, the team announced that star guard Ja Morantwill need at least two more weeks as he recovers from a UCL sprain in his left elbow.
That means Morant will miss the Grizzlies’ next eight games, at the very least.
Then on Thursday, the Grizzlies dropped more bad news, revealing that backup guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is out for the season after undergoing surgery on his finger injury.
“The Memphis Grizzlies today announced that wing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope underwent a surgical procedure today to address misalignment of his right pinky finger and will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season,” the team wrote, before adding that Caldwell-Pope is expected to make a full recovery before the 2026-27 season.
Caldwell-Pope joined the Grizzlies after he was traded by the Orlando Magic in the Desmond Bane deal last offseason. In the 51 games he played for Memphis, including 14 starts, he averaged 8.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists.
The 13-year NBA veteran, who has been a reliable backup option in Memphis, played in three straight games for the Grizzlies prior to the All-Star break. In fact, he even scored 15 points on 3-of-6 shooting in their narrow 114-113 loss to the Golden State Warriors.
Caldwell-Pope has a player option in his contract next season. It will certainly be interesting to see what he decides to do next. For now, though, his focus is on recovering and getting back to the court.