During his annual youth basketball camp in Memphis on September 13, Memphis Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr. said his rehabilitation from offseason turf-toe surgery is progressing as planned.
“I’m feeling good,” Jackson told reporters. “I’m progressing the right way. I’m doing what I need to do. Every day has been a building block.”
The 25-year-old underwent the procedure in early July and is scheduled to be reevaluated in late September, shortly after training camp opens. If cleared, Jackson would have a little more than three weeks to prepare for the Grizzlies’ October 22 home opener against the New Orleans Pelicans. He declined to guarantee he will play that night but said, “I think everybody is going to be happy” with his progress.
Jackson’s summer also included a five-year, $240 million renegotiation and extension that secures his place in the franchise’s long-term core after Memphis was swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round last postseason.
Last year Jackson earned his second All-Star selection and second All-Defensive nod, averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks while shooting 48.8 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from three in 74 games.
In August, the Michigan State product announced he will switch his jersey number from 13 to 8 for his eighth NBA season, a tribute to his father, who wore No. 8 with the Los Angeles Clippers in the 1990s.
Jackson said hosting the youth camp underscores how much Memphis now feels like home. “I’ve lived here longer than any place in my life, so you can’t take that from me,” he noted.
Source: Hoops Rumors
