Mar 29, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) and Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) react during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

'I’m Progressing the Right Way' – Memphis Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. Drops Important Update After Toe Surgery

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Sep 17, 2025 10:23 PM ET

Jaren Jackson Jr. could likely have enough time to prepare for the team’s preseason camp ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season, as the Memphis Grizzlies star seems to be doing well with his rehab.

The former Defensive Player of the Year and two-time NBA All-Star provided an update on his recovery from turf toe surgery during a youth camp he held last weekend, which has Memphis Grizzlies supporters feeling optimistic.

“I’m feeling good,” Jackson told Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal. “I’m progressing the right way. I’m doing what I need to do. Every day has been a building block.”

Jan 24, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) drives to the basket against Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) during the third quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

“I’m aiming for whatever my body is telling me, but I’m progressing the right way,” he continued. “I think everybody is going to be happy.”

Memphis Grizzlies News: Kendrick Perkins issues “MVP” challenge to Morant

Kendrick Perkins has high expectations for the Memphis Grizzlies this upcoming season. The one-time NBA champion has been particularly hard on Ja Morant, whom he believes can play “MVP-type” basketball if he stays healthy.

Apr 1, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts toward Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) after a basket during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

“(Time) to put up or shut up,” Perkins said recently on NBA Today. “In 2021-22, he averaged 27 points a game, and then after that, he’s fell off since no limit. If they wanna contend and be a threat in the Western Conference, Ja Morant needs to play MVP-type basketball. 27-30 points per game.”

Morant has missed games for the Memphis Grizzlies in the past two seasons due to injuries and suspensions. In 2024-25, the high-flying guard averaged 23.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.2 steals on 45.4 percent shooting from the field across 50 regular season starts.