Luke Kennard has a foot injury, which adds to another long list of hobbled Grizzlies
The Grizzlies have another wing player dealing with an injury.
The Memphis Grizzlies had one of the most jarring campaigns during the 2023/24 season when they had near-limitless injuries. Ahead of the 2024/25 season, they already had many injuries, including GG Jackson II, Ja Morant, and Jaren Jackson Jr.
The latest injury addition is sharpshooting wing Luke Kennard. Coach Taylor Jenkins detailed that Luke is dealing with foot soreness after playing only six minutes in the game against the Indiana Pacers.
Memphis needs Kennard to be healthy for the regular season
While this injury is likely minor, it is noteworthy enough to discuss Kennard's value to the team. Coach Taylor Jenkins has encouraged his team to play faster, as someone like Luke can be open to shooting more above-the-break three-pointers.
The threat of his perimeter shooting can help the Grizzlies because the team is desperate for more help in that area. Of course, Desmond Bane is the most prolific shooter on the team, but having Kennard there to provide the much-needed shooting could boost the team's offense.
Memphis' best players mostly play in the paint, as Ja Morant is a slashing point guard, but he can create opportunities for his teammates to shoot from the perimeter. That is why players like Bane and Kennard will benefit from Ja's gravity, which draws in more defenders for him.
Jaren Jackson Jr. can shoot from beyond the arc but mostly does damage in the paint. It will be challenging for the Grizzlies if they lose Kennard because their perimeter offense could fall down a cliff whenever Bane sits on the bench to rest up.
The Grizzlies are hoping for better injury luck
The 23/24 season was a nightmare campaign for the team due to the absurd number of injuries. They want better injury luck this season, as they want to return to the top of the Western Conference like their run to become the second seed in the West during the 2022/23 season.
Kennard is one of the players the team needs to be healthy because he brings so much value. Some players on the team, like Jaylen Wells and GG Jackson II, have the potential to become contributors, but they are still young.
A veteran like Luke could help the Grizzlies in high-pressure situations, especially since he is a superb perimeter shooter. His injury might be minor, but as he progresses to better health, the team can become complete and prepared to take on some of the best teams in the West.
Related: Desmond Bane wears underrated badge with honor, puts winning firstThis story was originally published October 17, 2024, 3:30 PM.
