Grizzlies Face Uncertain Future as Star Trio Jaren Jackson Jr., Zach Edey, and Brandon Clarke Begin Season on Sidelines After Surgeries

Starting off the season with a gut punch—Memphis is staring down a steep hill, and boy, does this team have some proving to do in the ruthless Western Conference. Jaren Jackson Jr., Zach Edey, and Brandon Clarke—all key cogs in that frontcourt machine—are sidelined, sidelined for the training camp and opening tipoff as they recover from surgeries. Jackson, fresh off an All-Star nod and a Defensive Player of the Year title, had turf toe surgery come July. Last year, he dazzled with 22.2 points a game and that sneaky 37.5% from downtown, anchoring both ends of the court. Losing him? That’s like losing your ace up the sleeve. Out steps Santi Aldama, ready or not. Then there’s Edey, last season’s top rookie, who brought hustle and blocks strong enough to halt drives at 1.3 per game. Clarke’s saga? He bounced back from last season’s knee sprain only to be sidelined again with synovitis, which means he’s out until at least November while he heals. Naturally, all these absences shove the spotlight squarely onto Ja Morant to keep the Grizzlies afloat, and in a Western Conference buzzing with at least a baker’s dozen of playoff hopefuls, that’s a colossal load to carry right out of the gate. LEARN MORE