The Memphis Grizzlies used the No. 4 overall selection in the 2018 NBA Draft to bring in Jaren Jackson Jr. He has shown plenty of intriguing flashes of potential since entering the league, but the knock against him has been an inability to stay healthy.
According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, the Grizzlies “aren’t yet sold” on Jackson as a long-term answer because of his injury history.
“They’re concerned about his durability. In late April, Jackson, 21, made his return from an extended absence after he tore the meniscus in his left knee last August while playing in the NBA bubble. Jackson has started just two of the nine games he has played this season and he has taken periodic games off for “injury management.’’
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In a market like Memphis, it’s difficult to envision the Grizzlies being able to have the luxury of being picky. Even if they were, Jackson Jr. has a rare blend of being able to guard perimeter players while being a dynamic threat out in space on the other end. There would be plenty of teams interested in making a push to acquire him if he were to be available.
Giving a substantial contract to frontcourt players with injury troubles is something that can put a franchise back. Ja Morant will need to be able to rely on his top teammates to stay available on the court and if roughly a quarter of the salary cap is going to someone who isn’t available, that’s a problem.
Take a look at the situation the Dallas Mavericks face with Kristaps Porzingis. It feels as though Porzingis is almost always ‘working his way back’ from an injury or being held out of a game to be on the cautious side. The talent is undeniable, but at some point, does a lack of availability outweigh it?
If the Memphis Grizzlies truly become weary of committing long-term to Jaren Jackson Jr., he will emerge as a name to watch in NBA rumors. Perhaps he could end up being moved like Kristaps Porzingis was by the New York Knicks? For now, a lot still needs to play out.
