April 3, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) reacts in the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Siu-Imagen Images Memphis Grizzlies standout Jaren Jackson Jr. injured his hamstring during the team’s first practice of the season on Tuesday.
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said Jackson would undergo imaging after feeling tightness in his hamstring while driving to the basket.
“We’re speculating that it could be a strain,” Jenkins told reporters.
It’s possible Jackson could miss the preseason. In fact, a strain could raise questions about his availability when the Grizzlies open the regular season on Oct. 23 against the host Utah Jazz.
Jenkins didn’t want to think about that possibility.
“We’re not sure about the timeline,” Jackson said.
Jackson, 25, averaged a career-high 22.5 points per game in 66 games last season. He averaged 5.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocked shots.
A season earlier, Jackson was an All-Star and NBA Defensive Player of the Year when he led the league with an average of 3.0 blocked shots per game. He also led the team in blocks at 2.3 per game in the 2021–22 season.
Overall, Jackson averaged 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in 333 games (324 starts).
The Grizzlies went 27-55 last season after making the playoffs in each of the last three seasons.
–Field Level Media