Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr. needs surgery for offseason turf toe injury, team says

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Grizzlies All-Star big man Jaren Jackson Jr. will need surgery after suffering a turf toe injury to his right foot while participating in offseason basketball activities, the team announced Tuesday.

Memphis said Jackson is expected to recover fully, adding that a timeline for his recovery will be provided after the surgery.

The 25-year-old Jackson, a first-round draft pick in 2018, earned his second All-Star selection last season, when he averaged 22.2 points and 5.6 rebounds. He was honored as the NBA's defensive player of the year for 2022-23, when he led the league in blocks at 3 per game.

Jackson is eligible for a contract extension this offseason as the Grizzlies seek to build around him and star point guard Ja Morant. Memphis was swept by eventual champion Oklahoma City in the first round of the playoffs in April.

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