Jaren Jackson Jr. Reflects On Time With Memphis Grizzlies
Feb 19, 2026, 2:41 PM
Jaren Jackson Jr., #20 of the Utah Jazz (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz return to action against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, but Jaren Jackson Jr. won’t be there to face the team that drafted him.
The two-time All-Star underwent successful surgery on Tuesday to remove a tumor in his left knee, likely ending his season after just three games with the Jazz.
Related: Jazz Fined $500,000 For Resting Markkanen, Jackson Jr.
Jaren Jackson Jr. return to Memphis will come next year
With the Jazz visiting the Grizzlies for the two teams’ final road matchup this season, Jackson Jr. won’t make his return to Memphis until next year.
Since the whirlwind trade, Jackson Jr. hasn’t had much time to reflect on his years with the Grizzlies.
“I’m super busy just reordering my life around,” the 26-year-old admitted, “[but] I have nothing but love and respect for my time there.”
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The forward helped push Memphis to four playoff appearances in seven full seasons with the organization, earning three All-Defensive selections and the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year award.
“There’s so much I can say about that, but I think that comes in time, and I’m a guy who likes to have a singular focus, and that’s something I brought to that team and that organization. I always had that one focus, which was winning,” Jackson Jr. added.
The Grizzlies posted winning records in four of Jackson Jr.’s seven seasons, including a 56-win campaign in 2021–22 that tied the franchise record.
Now, Jackson Jr. aims to bring that level of success to Utah while carrying his Memphis experience with him.
Picasso couldn’t work the paint as well as Trip can 🎨🤌 pic.twitter.com/0XrYCWddgq
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 12, 2026
“Coming here, I was going to have that singular focus first, before I reflected on anything,” Jackson Jr. concluded. “I usually put reflection and all that kind of stuff later. But you know, when I get to that, you’ll definitely know about it.”
Jackson Jr. averaged 18.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks during his tenure with the Grizzlies. After Tuesday’s surgery, the Jazz said he will be reevaluated in four weeks.
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Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops, on Instagram @BensHoops, or on BlueSky.
