After a tough 2023-24 season plagued by injuries, Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins was eager for a fresh start without constant roster adjustments. However, before training camp even began, the Grizzlies lost a key player. Rising star GG Jackson II broke his fifth metatarsal during an August workout and will miss at least three months after surgery on his right foot, with a re-evaluation set for December. This leaves Memphis without one of its most promising young players for a significant portion of the season, forcing Jenkins to adjust his lineups again.
### GG’s Role Now Up for Grabs
Jackson II was expected to have a good chance of cracking the starting lineup, but his injury leaves uncertainty. The only certainty in Memphis’ starting five is the inclusion of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. (JJJ), all of whom are healthy and ready to bounce back after a season marked by absences. JJJ, the 2022-23 Defensive Player of the Year, was often deployed as a center last season but struggled against stronger opponents. His true strength lies in patrolling the paint and blocking shots. The Grizzlies drafted Zach Edey with the ninth overall pick in 2024, and the rookie is expected to start at center, using his immense size to match up against physical players like Nikola Jokic and Domantas Sabonis.
### Jenkins’ Wing Options
With GG out, Jenkins has several options for the wing position. If defense is the priority, Marcus Smart could start as a shooting guard, pushing Bane to small forward. However, this may create a size disadvantage. Vince Williams Jr., known for his defense and 6’11” wingspan, could be another option, although his offensive consistency remains in question. If offense and floor spacing are prioritized, Luke Kennard, a 45% three-point shooter, could get the nod, though his defense is a weakness. Players like Santi Aldama, Jake LaRavia, Scotty Pippen Jr., and Brandon Clarke will play key roles in the bench rotation.
### Preseason Adjustments
Jenkins will likely use training camp and preseason to finalize the rotation, experimenting with combinations like JJJ and Edey in the frontcourt and assessing how Smart fits with Morant. With the Grizzlies aiming to regain their position among the Western Conference elite, starting the season strong is crucial. The coaching staff has a busy preseason ahead as they prepare for the season opener against the Utah Jazz.
