Memphis Grizzlies: Insights As Jaren Jackson Jr. Status Gets Massive Bleak Update From Coach Taylor Jenkins

Jaren Jackson Jr. is a crucial part of the Memphis Grizzlies’ lineup as they aim to reclaim their status as top contenders in the Western Conference. Last season, they finished 13th in the West due to injuries, with key players Ja Morant and Marcus Smart both sidelined mid-season.

On Monday, Action News 5 sports director Jarvis Greer shared an update on Jackson Jr. from Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins on his X account.

“Grizzlies Head Coach Taylor Jenkins announced that Jaren Jackson Jr. will NOT participate in the NBA regular season opener against Utah on Wednesday, as they want to give him a few more days to rest his strained hamstring, which he injured at the start of training camp,” Greer stated

Grizzlies Head Coach Taylor Jenkins says Jaren Jackson, Jr. will NOT play in the NBA regular season opener at Utah Wednesday. Want to give him another couple days to rest his strained hamstring suffered at the beginning of training camp. pic.twitter.com/8HklIjNB8Z

— Jarvis Greer (@JarvisGreerWMC) October 21, 2024

In a separate report from USA Today, Jenkins noted, “[Jackson’s] hamstring is healing well, and he’s been making good progress. We’re going to be careful, allowing him to do a bit more five-on-five practice over the next few days, and likely aiming for a return later in the week.”

The Grizzlies are wisely taking extra care in handling Jaren Jackson Jr.’s injury. If they hurry his return and he suffers another setback, it could lead to another difficult season without him on the court.

Jaren Jackson Jr. and the Grizzlies to wait until summer 2025 on extension talks

Jaren Jackson Jr. is currently sidelined recovering from a hamstring strain, but the Memphis Grizzlies appear committed to keeping him on the team.

As reported by ESPN, Jackson Jr. was eligible for a three-year, $106millioncontractextension,butthedeadlinepassedonSunday.Talksregardinganextensionwillberevisitednextoffseason,atwhichpointhecouldbeeligibleforafour-year,$ 147 million deal.

If Jackson Jr. makes an All-NBA team or wins MVP or Defensive Player of the Year by season’s end, he could qualify for a five-year, $ 345 million contract extension. Having won the DPOY award in the 2022-23 season, he is likely betting on himself to achieve it again this season.

During the season he won the DPOY title, Jackson Jr. averaged 3.0 blocks per game, but that dropped to 1.6 blocks per game the following season. Once he’s cleared to play, he will aim to make up for lost time, help the Grizzlies contend for a championship, and secure a maximum contract.