After an injury-riddled season last year, the Memphis Grizzlies are aiming to remind the basketball world how good they really are. After finishing with a 27-55 record last season, the Grizzlies are in line for a much better record. Currently 9-7, the Grizzlies own the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference. Additionally, they average the fourth-most points per game in the league and have the fifth-best DRTG. The Grizzlies look primed to return to the playoffs. However, injuries have already made their mark on the young season for Memphis. Zach Edey, GG Jackson, Ja Morant, and Marcus Smart are just a few players on the team’s injury report. Now, the team will also reportedly be without guard Vince Williams Jr. due to an ankle injury.
According to the team, via HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Williams has a Grade 3 ankle sprain. The Grizzlies will re-evaluate him in four weeks, indicating he could potentially miss the rest of the calendar year.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Williams Jr. has a Grade 3 right ankle sprain and will be re-evaluated in four weeks, team says.
— Michael Scotto (@mikeascotto.bsky.social) November 21, 2024 at 5:53 PM
Memphis Grizzlies Guard Sidelined for 4 Weeks
How Vince Williams Jr.’s Injury Impacts the Grizzlies
Losing Williams for about a month is a big blow to the Grizzlies’ backcourt. Unfortunately for Williams, this is already the second leg injury that will sideline him this season. The guard has only played three games to begin the campaign. In those games, he is averaging 5.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Last season was a career year for Williams. He appeared in 52 games and started 33 of them. On the year, he averaged 10 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. When given an expanded role, Williams is capable of elevating the Grizzlies on both sides of the ball. While he is no star, he is still a fantastic player for the Grizzlies.
In Williams’ absence, the Grizzlies will likely rely more heavily on Jaylen Wells and Santi Aldama. Additionally, Smart is considered day-to-day and should make his return sooner rather than later.
The Last Word
While it is a tough loss, the Grizzlies should be able to stay afloat in Williams’ absence. They have a winning record despite their injuries and should be a contender in the Western Conference again. Just two seasons ago, Memphis was 51-31 and finished as the No. 2 seed in the West. The Grizzlies are currently being led by Jaren Jackson Jr., who is having a fantastic start to the season. In 14 games, he is averaging 22.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.7 blocks. Jackson is making his presence felt at every level on the basketball court. Furthermore, he is shooting 52.8% from the field and 35.6% from the three-point line.
The Grizzlies are capable of making an impact on both sides of the ball. Even with all their injuries, they remain one of the most well-rounded teams in the NBA. We will not see their full potential until they get healthy again. However, they are a team to keep an eye on for the remainder of the season.
