Grizzlies' Jackson makes long-awaited season debut vs. Pelicans
Memphis Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr. made his season debut Tuesday against the New Orleans Pelicans, starting the contest after missing the first 14 games of the season.
Jackson had yet to play in 2022-23 after undergoing foot surgery in June.
The 23-year-old big man led the NBA in blocks per game last season with 2.3, picking up 10 first-place votes for the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year award. He supplemented that with averages of 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 0.9 steals across 78 starts, helping Memphis secure the league's second-best record at 56-26.
In 12 postseason contests last season, Jackson registered 15.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. However, Memphis was eliminated in six games in the second round by the Golden State Warriors.
The Grizzlies have gotten off to another commendable start this season, going 9-5 through their first 14 games.