Predicting GG Jackson's return from injury

GG Jackson II was expected to have a pivotal role for the Memphis Grizzlies in the upcoming 2024/25 season. Unfortunately, he broke his fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot, forcing him to get surgery to fix the issue.

Since he underwent surgery on September 5, he has a three-month recovery window. He will be evaluated after those three months, firmly confirming that GG will be playing in the 24/25 campaign. Orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Kenneth Jung was recently interviewed about GG’s future over the next few months.

“Basically, it’s like waiting for the paint to dry. And then from there, that last few weeks, you’re building up adding activity load to where it’s closer to basketball activity,” Jung said to DaMichael Cole from Commercial Appeal about Jackson’s foot injury. “This is something that’s not a career-threatening injury. Once you get it to heal, you should be back able to go on it full-go without any detriments going forward, especially in a 19-year-old.”

The Grizzlies have to adjust without GG

Jackson was supposed to be one of the most valuable young pieces for the team. He showed he could be an explosive scoring option for the Grizzlies, as the 19-year-old was an athletic finisher at the rim, and he had good jump shot mechanics to be a reliable three-point shooter.

He was a perfect fit alongside Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. GG had a shot at starting alongside them if he impressed the coaching staff enough in Training Camp. Unfortunately, that won’t happen soon because of the foot injury, but signs point in the positive direction with Dr. Jung’s diagnosis.

They have to tweak the rotation because GG was a lock as one of the small forwards. Now, Coach Taylor Jenkins has to consider many factors, including the defensive stability of Marcus Smart and the excellent three-point shooting from Luke Kennard. It will be a tough decision for Jenkins, but they would be a man down with Jackson sidelined.

Grizzlies fans won’t have to wait long

While this injury to GG might bring back memories of the injury-riddled 2023/24 season, the promising wing won’t last long on the sideline. He will return sometime in December or January to help the Grizzlies in their quest to make it into the Playoffs.

He will have to re-acclimate into the roster, but it cannot be denied that GG is one of the most eager players on the Memphis squad list. Jackson will be ready to attack his rehab process, especially since he has an opportunity to shine and establish himself as a fixture in Coach Jenkins’ rotation.

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