The Memphis Grizzlies were just two games away from making the playoffs in a tough Western Conference last season, and they are ready to run it back.
Unfortunately for them, they will have to start the new campaign on December 22nd without two key players.
Executive vice president of basketball operations Zach Kleiman, stated both Jaren Jackson Jr. and Justise Winslow won't be ready for the start of the season due to injuries.
The team reported both Jackson Jr and Winslow may be ready to return to action in January on Martin Luther King Day.
Winslow, who was acquired by Memphis in the exchange where Andre Iguodala ended up in Miami, played in 11 games last season, averaging 11.3 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4 assists per contest. The Duke product hasn't appeared in an NBA game since January 8 due to multiple injuries, including a hip injury which did not require surgery.
On the other hand, Jackson Jr. suffered a meniscus tear in his left knee during the NBA season restart in Orlando and is still recovering from the surgery he underwent.
It hasn't been all bad during the offseason for Memphis, as they were able to get two good players during the 2020 NBA Draft. The Grizzlies picked TCU guard Desmond Bane in the first round and then Michigan State forward Xavier Tillman in the second round.