NBA All-Rookie GG Jackson faces long recovery from surgery

Memphis Grizzlies GG Jackson II, one of the youngest rookies in the NBA in 2023-24, had a breakout debut. The 6-foot-9 swingman was one of the few bright spots in a dismal year for Memphis, which endured a series of injuries and suspensions to finish a far cry from the 50-win seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23, when the franchise was one of the most exciting young collections of talent in the league.

Drafted 45th overall out of South Carolina, Jackson was the biggest beneficiary of Memphis’ injury woes last year, carving out a key role in the rotation with his two-way athleticism. In 48 healthy contests (18 starts), Jackson is averaging 14.6 points on .428/.357/.752 shooting, 4.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.5 blocks per game.

For his accomplishments, Jackson was named to the 2024 All-Rookie Second Team.

During an offseason workout in the Dallas area this August, Jackson fractured the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot and underwent corrective surgery on September 5.

Read more: Grizzlies Forward breaks foot, will need surgery

The 19-year-old is set to be re-evaluated three months after the surgery, which will significantly delay his return to action with a rebuilding Grizzlies team that is seeking revenge in the Western Conference.

To establish the timeline of Jackson’s alleged ailment, Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal spoke with Dr. Kenneth Jung, an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute.

Before Jackson can undergo rehabilitation, the bone must first heal.

Jung noted that the bone will need to heal in six to eight weeks, which Cole predicts will happen in late October, sometime after the start of the 2024-25 regular season.

“It’s basically waiting for paint to dry,” Jung said of waiting for the bone to heal. “And then from there, over the last few weeks, you increase the activity until it’s closer to basketball activity.”

Jung believes the prospect of a three-month recovery period is wide enough that there is a chance Jackson will meet that timeline.

“Three months is a pretty safe number,” Jung said. “He just has to get back into basketball shape physically and mentally… Whether he gets back to the full expectations of the fans and coaches, that could be a different number.”

One X-factor Jackson should watch out for, Jung suggests? Overwhelming himself with too many workouts too soon or focusing too much on weight-bearing workouts.

“It’s something that’s not career-threatening,” Jung suggested. “Once it heals, you should be able to come back and play your best without any damage in the future. Especially at 19.”

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