Jaren Jackson Jr. Returns for the Grizzlies

Photo courtesy of Sports Illustrated

After suffering an offseason foot injury and missing the opening 14 games of the season, Grizzlies star and First Team All-Defense member Jaren Jackson Jr. returned for Memphis on Tuesday.

The former fourth-overall pick has turned into a defensive star in his young but bright career. Along with First Team All-Defense honors in 2022, he also claimed the title of most blocks in the league.

On the offensive side of the ball, the nearly 7-foot-tall big man has displayed an ability to score on all three levels. His jump shot has been true from three-point range, with a career shooting percentage of 34.9 from deep.

His only downfall in his four-year career has been his inability to stay healthy.

In his rookie campaign, he played just 58 games. Following that, he was only on the floor for 57 appearances. Then, he missed the bulk of his third year with only 11 games played. Last season, though, he played a durable 78 games. However, after having foot surgery during the offseason, Jackson was held out of the Grizzlies’ first 14 games this year.

Against the Pelicans, the young star made his highly anticipated return. In Memphis’ 113-102 loss, Jackson struggled offensively. While getting back into rhythm, he shot just 3-for-14 from the field while failing to knock down a 3-pointer and finished with just seven points.

However, where he made his presence felt was on the defensive end. He totaled a jaw-dropping five blocks and reeled in six rebounds.

This defensive presence was heavily missed for the Grizzlies after they started the season as a team outside the top 20 in defensive production. Last season, with Jackson healthy, the team boasted one of the NBA’s best defenses.

With Jackson back, the defense should begin to once again find its stride. Once he gets his offensive game rolling, the Grizzlies will also be able to reach their full potential.

For now, though, Jackson will have to slowly work back into the all-around player he is capable of being. Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, the loss to the Pelicans also marked the first game of the year without star Desmond Bane following his toe injury that will hold him out for 2-3 weeks.