Memphis Grizzlies forward GG Jackson has a broken bone in his right foot that required surgery.
The Grizzlies announced the injury on Wednesday. He suffered a fracture to the fifth metatarsal in his right foot and underwent surgery on Wednesday. He’ll be re-evaluated “in approximately three months” and is “expected to make a full recovery,” according to the team release.
It’s not clear how or when Jackson sustained the injury. The Grizzlies didn’t offer any more details. The injury is expected to sideline Jackson through the start of the regular season until December at a minimum. The Grizzlies open their season against the Utah Jazz on Oct. 23.
Jackson, 19, emerged as a surprise source of offense as a rookie during an injury-plagued 2023-24 campaign in Memphis. A former five-star prospect, Jackson fell to the second round of the 2023 NBA draft after his freshman season at South Carolina.
He signed a two-way contract with the Grizzlies and started his career with their G League affiliate Memphis Hustle. Amid long-term injuries to key players including All-NBA point guard Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, the Grizzlies called Jackson up in January. He broke out with a 20-point, six-rebound effort against the New York Knicks on Jan. 13 and remained with the Grizzlies through the remainder of the season as one of their leading scorers.
Jackson posted four games with 30 or more points as a rookie and finished the season averaging 14.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game while shooting 35.7% on six 3-point attempts per game.
The effort earned Jackson a spot in the Grizzlies rotation and a four-year, $8.5 million contract with $6.1 million in guarantees.