Doctor on GG Jackson's injury: "It's like waiting for the paint to dry"

The Memphis Grizzlies' 2024-25 season took an early hit when forward GG Jackson II broke the fifth metatarsal in his right foot during a workout in Dallas last week.

At 19 years old and standing 6 feet 9 inches, Jackson was expected to build on his excellent rookie campaign and have a breakthrough sophomore season in the NBA.

Jackson underwent surgery on Sept. 5 and is expected to be re-evaluated in three months. The injury raised concerns among Grizzlies fans. However, Dr. Kenneth Jung, a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute, offered some reassuring insights into Jackson's recovery process.

According to Dr. Jung, the initial part of the healing process is straightforward. "Basically, it's like waiting for the paint to dry," Jung told The Commercial Appeal's Damichael Cole .

The bone typically takes six to eight weeks to heal fully, which puts Jackson on track to have a healed bone by the end of October. After the bone heals, Jackson will enter a phase where he gradually increases his activity load, transitioning back to basketball-specific exercises.

As Dr. Jung explained, "That last few weeks, you're building up adding activity load to where it's closer to basketball activity."

Why the three-month timeline?

While Jackson could theoretically return to the court in November, the Grizzlies are known for taking a cautious approach with player recoveries. Head coach Taylor Jenkins has made it clear that the team prefers not to rush players back.

Therefore, even if Jackson would be physically ready to return in eight weeks, the Grizzlies will likely let the entire three-month period pass before activating him, to ensure he's fully prepared for the demands of NBA play.

Dr. Jung believes this window has "wiggle room" and could result in Jackson returning earlier if necessary, but stresses that the team does not need to rush him. "Three months is a pretty safe number," Jung said, emphasizing that Jackson will need time to get back into basketball shape both physically and mentally.

"Not a career-threatening injury"

Dr. Jung offered reassurance to Grizzlies fans who were concerned about how this injury could impact Jackson's future.

"This is something that's not a career-threatening injury," Jung explained. He added that Jackson should be able to fully recover and resume playing without any long-term issues.

There is a chance Jackson might wear more supportive shoes when he returns, but there shouldn't be any limitations on his mobility or athleticism.

The Grizzlies and their fans should remain optimistic about Jackson's recovery and role in the team's long-term plans.

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