Complment idal du backcourt I Morant – Desmond Baneinside Years Jackson Jr still hasn’t set foot on the court this season. After a successful playoff campaign (15.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks), the Grizzlies player underwent surgery to treat a stress fracture in his right foot. His rehabilitation was then between 4 and 6 months. But, JJJ seems ahead of schedule, since the journalist Chris Haynes announces that his return could take place this Tuesday against New Orleans. Author of a good start to the season with a record of 9 wins for 5 defeats, Memphis will be able to count on his position 4 incumbent. Last year, Jackson Jr confirmed his defensive solidity, notably as the best blocker in the entire League with 2.3 blocks per game.
The absence of Jackson Jr demonstrated once again the depth of the Grizzlies roster. Bombard starter in his absence, the sophomore Santi Aldama more than met expectations by turning in 9.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 27 minutes. The latter should gradually join the second unit as the reintegration of JJJ. Authorized to train in 5×5 since the beginning of the month, the return from the inside will bring a defensive boost, an area where Memphis emerges only in twentieth position (112.7 points against 100 possessions). Satisfied with the rehabilitation of his player, the coach Taylor Jenkins want a gradual revving up:
Jaren has done a really good job in training this season and he’s getting really close to his comeback. His five-on-five sessions went well, and now we will have to establish a schedule to integrate him. You have to find opportunities to play, so that it gradually increases in power.