2 min read • July 01, 2022
Posted in
In the middle of Thursday's free agency madness, the Grizzlies announced that star big man Jaren Jackson Jr. underwent surgery on a stress fracture in his right foot.
It is unclear when the 22-year-old elite interior defender suffered the injury, but stress fractures often develop over time and are related to low blood flow.
Jackson likely suffered a fifth metatarsal fracture, also known as a Jones fracture, according to the Pro Basketball Docs.
While the projected four-to-six month recovery timeline is typical for complete healing, big men notoriously face difficulties during rehab, as Zion Williamson experienced last season.
As the furthest body part from the heart, feet have uniquely poor blood flow and consequently a longer healing process.
Even if he is able to recover with no complications, the four-month benchmark bleeds into late October, meaning the injury will undoubtedly affect the start of the burgeoning big's season.
The hope is that Jackson can return this calendar year, but we have seen a handful of extended absences from stress fractures in the last few years.
Kevin Durant and Joel Embiid, both much more similar to Jackson’s longer frame, missed one and two seasons, respectively, after undergoing bone graft procedures to repair foot stress fractures.
The former No. 4 overall pick missed all but 11 games of the 2020-21 season after suffering a torn meniscus in his left knee on August 4 during the NBA’s bubble restart.
Jackson is coming off of his best season, averaging 16.3 points and a league-leading 2.3 blocks across 78 games.
He helped Memphis to a franchise-record-tying 56 wins, including a 21-7 record without Ja Morant in the regular season and playoffs.
Written by
Jaren Jackson Jr. sidelined 4-6 months while he rehabs a stress fracture in his right foot.
don't worry bout trip . i promise he's good 🦄🙌🏽
