GG Jackson II was eager to build on the momentum he gained last season before suffering a fifth metatarsal fracture in his right foot this past offseason. The unfortunate injury immediately required surgery. The second-year forward made his presence felt eminently during his remarkable rookie year campaign. With Memphis now reloaded with stout depth and battle-tested youth, what is the ceiling for the Grizzlies’ second unit?
What GG Jackson’s Injury Timetable Means For Grizz Second Unit
The Memphis Grizzlies are sitting in the very thick of the Western Conference standings at 7-4. The Taylor Jenkins-coached squad is just 1.5 games out of the top of the Western Conference, but they’re still far from the team they’re destined to be. Given how the injury bug has attacked them early this season, the Grizz are fortunate to be where they are. During the season, the Grizzlies’ bench is pouring in 46.0 points per contest. That’s good for fourth-best in the league.
The supporting cast off the bench has been nothing short of exceptional given the lack of experience. Floor general Scotty Pippen Jr. has been one of the league’s brightest spots thus far. Rookie guard/wing Jaylen Wells has unveiled different facets of his game and is thriving as a secondary playmaker and supplemental half-court scorer. Stretch fours Santi Aldama and Jake Laravia have been fairly effective playing off of Ja Morant. After missing the first couple of games due to a hamstring injury, All-Star big Jaren Jackson Jr. remains a formidable paint presence in the middle. Recently converted stretch five-man Jay Huff has been playing at an unparalleled level for a two-way player.
Taylor Jenkins now awaits the return of multi-dimensional contributors Morant, Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart, and Vince Williams Jr. Jenkins won’t be able to properly assess his personnel and seek which rotations make the most sense in the long run until they do so. However, the looming return of one Grizzlies regular may catapult this offense to heights we can only imagine.
It’s GGs in the Bench
Not only are the Memphis Grizzlies third in the NBA in points per game (120.9) but they’re raising each other’s floors and moving the rock selflessly. Exemplified on a nightly basis by Morant and Pippen Jr. this season, the Grizzlies are currently second in the NBA in assists (30.4). The unselfish play and ball movement have been the tone-setters early on while they await key rotation players.
Jackson made the 2023-24 NBA All-Rookie team last season after averaging 14.6 points and 4.1 rebounds in 25.7 minutes.
Action Jackson
The South Carolina native has without a doubt earned a valid scoring role for Taylor Jenkins’ supporting rotations. At 6’9″ and 215 pounds, Jackson is a load to deal with in the front court. His first step, length, and polished scoring gifts often make him a mismatch against opposing power forwards. The second-year man also averaged 22.0 points and 8.5 rebounds this past Summer League. Jackson has shown comfort in a multitude of positions on the court since he made his first splash in the league. Attempting to see where Jackson and his strengths fit the best upon his return won’t be a tough objective for Jenkins. In a recent sitdown on Fan Duel TV’s Run It Back, GG Jackson provided insight on when we should expect him back from injury:
“I’ve heard January floating around the facility, they’re basing it off of when Jaren [Jackson Jr.] had this injury, I want to say a couple of years ago, but hey he came back and won Defensive Player of the Year. So I told them I want to try to push myself. Obviously, I feel like, you know, I’m a little younger, so I can heal differently. So, for me probably late December but if not just off of what they say like mid January.”
GG Jackson was on @RunItBackFDTV this morning and gave an update on his timeline. Expecting a Late December-January return
The most important thing is that he comes back 100% healthy
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— Bryson Wright (@BrysonWright3) October 29, 2024
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GG Jackson’s daunting versatility as a scorer in isolation, pick and roll, transition, dribble handoffs, and catch-and-shoot settings will make him a focal point in supporting rotations. Morant and Pippen Jr. have been leading the revolutionary ball movement approach. Secondary playmakers Bane and Smart can take it to another level. In last night’s 134-89 road beatdown against the Portland Trail Blazers, sharpshooting two guard Luke Kennard handed out 11 assists off the bench in just 20 minutes. Most notably known for his shooting prowess, it’s telling how the selflessness on the roster has become contagious this early on. For a team that is currently the fifth-best defensive unit in the association, there is a real sense of optimism to look forward to when the core rotation players return.
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