What happened to Jaren Jackson Jr.? Grizzlies forward's potential injury to be evaluated ahead of 2024-25 NBA season

Memphis Grizzlies star forward Jaren Jackson Jr. reportedly sustained an apparent hamstring injury to begin training camp for the 2024-25 NBA season. The potential ailment marks another setback for the Grizzlies after their injury-plagued 2023-24 campaign.

Memphis had several big-name players suffer serious injuries last season, most notably star point guard Ja Morant (right shoulder tear). Thus, the franchise experienced a substantial drop-off, plummeting from second in the Western Conference in the 2022-23 season (51-31) to 13th (27-55).

Approaching full strength, the Grizzlies were projected to bounce back and re-establish themselves as West threats in 2025. However, their chances of doing so may have already taken a slight hit before preseason.

On Tuesday, The Commercial Appeal's Damichael Cole reported that Jackson experienced hamstring tightness during Day 1 of training camp at a Nashville private school. The one-time All-Star reportedly sustained the injury on a drive to the rim.

Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins added that the organization is "anticipating" Jackson's injury "might be a hamstring strain." However, Jenkins noted that he was "not sure of the timeline" for his star player's recovery.

Per Cole, Memphis already has multiple players on its training camp injury report, including Vince Williams Jr. (shin), GG Jackson II (foot) and Cam Spencer (ankle).

However, Jaren Jackson Jr.'s potential absence would mark the most significant, as he is widely considered the Grizzlies' top defender. He also averaged a career-high in scoring last season, taking on an increased offensive role for his shorthanded squad.

Over 66 outings, Jackson averaged 22.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.6 blocks and 1.8 3-pointers per game, shooting 44.4%.

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Jaren Jackson Jr. could reportedly miss preseason and start of regular season

While the severity of Jaren Jackson Jr.'s injury has yet to be determined, he appears to be in danger of missing game action.

Per The Athletic's Joe Vardon, if Jackson is confirmed to have suffered a hamstring strain, he "would likely miss a substantial portion of Memphis' preseason" schedule. Vardon added that the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year could also "miss Memphis’ regular-season opener depending on the severity of the strain."

The Grizzlies begin their five-game preseason slate on the road against the Dallas Mavericks on Oct. 7. A couple of weeks later, they will kick off their 2024-25 regular-season schedule with an Oct. 23 road matchup against the Utah Jazz.

According to Damichael Cole, if Jaren Jackson Jr. misses extended time, forward Santi Aldama "would likely be next in line" to fill in for him.

In the meantime, Memphis will have to await the result of Jackson's upcoming medical imaging.

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