Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Grizzlies Lose 13-Year NBA Veteran After Season-Ending Surgery

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Feb 20, 2026 12:10 AM ET

The Memphis Grizzlies just couldn't catch a break when it comes to injuries. On Wednesday, the team announced that star guard Ja Morant will need at least two more weeks as he recovers from a UCL sprain in his left elbow.

That means Morant will miss the Grizzlies' next eight games, at the very least.

Then on Thursday, the Grizzlies dropped more bad news, revealing that backup guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is out for the season after undergoing surgery on his finger injury.

"The Memphis Grizzlies today announced that wing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope underwent a surgical procedure today to address misalignment of his right pinky finger and will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season," the team wrote, before adding that Caldwell-Pope is expected to make a full recovery before the 2026-27 season.

Caldwell-Pope joined the Grizzlies after he was traded by the Orlando Magic in the Desmond Bane deal last offseason. In the 51 games he played for Memphis, including 14 starts, he averaged 8.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists.

The 13-year NBA veteran, who has been a reliable backup option in Memphis, played in three straight games for the Grizzlies prior to the All-Star break. In fact, he even scored 15 points on 3-of-6 shooting in their narrow 114-113 loss to the Golden State Warriors.

Caldwell-Pope has a player option in his contract next season. It will certainly be interesting to see what he decides to do next. For now, though, his focus is on recovering and getting back to the court.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (3) reacts during a game.Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Grizzlies Marred by Injuries

For what it's worth, Morant and Caldwell-Pope are not the only players sidelined for the Grizzlies.

In their injury report for their game against the Utah Jazz on Friday, six other players were listed.

Santi Aldama (knee), Brandon Clarke (calf), Cedric Coward (knee), Zach Edey (ankle), Ty Jerome (calf) and Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe) have all been ruled out, while Walter Clayton Jr. was listed as doubtful due to a right calf contusion.

After the Jazz game, the Grizzlies have scheduled matchups against the Miami Heat, Sacramento Kings, Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Portland Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Clippers in the next two weeks.

That said, it remains to be seen whether there will be any improvements for the Grizzlies on the injury front, especially as they enter the final stretch of the season. At the time of writing, Memphis is 20-33 on the season, sitting 11th in the Western Conference.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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