Memphis faces a harsh reality to begin the 2025-26 season

As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches The Memphis Grizzlies are facing a harsh reality. The team announced that guard on Saturday Scottie Pippen Jr. will undergo a sesamoidectomy to address lingering discomfort in his left big toe, adding to an already battered roster less than a week before the opener.

“The Memphis Grizzlies announced today that guard Scottie Pippen Jr. will undergo a sesamoidectomy to address ongoing discomfort in his left big toe.” the team said in a press release. “Pippen Jr. is expected to make a full recovery, and a timeline for his return will be provided after the procedure.”

Pippen Jr.’s injury marks a string of early season setbacks for Memphis. He joins the Star Guard Ja Morant, who suffered a sprained ankle earlier this month during team practice and offseason addition Ty Jerome, who suffered an apparent ankle injury during the Grizzlies’ 141-125 preseason win over the Miami Heat on Friday night.

Memphis now has all three of its point guards — Ja Morant, Ty Jerome and Pippen — on the shelf. A very tough way to start the season. https://t.co/K9FcbOTtSU

— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) October 18, 2025

Pippen Jr. provided key backcourt depth last season, averaging 9.9 points, 4.4 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 48 percent from the field and 39.7 percent from three in 79 games. His consistent production and growing confidence have positioned him as a valuable rotational guard entering the new campaign.

Morant, the franchise center, averaged 23.2 points, 7.3 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game last season while shooting 45.4 percent from the field in 50 appearances. While his sprained ankle isn’t expected to sideline him long-term, his availability to start the season remains uncertain, further straining the Grizzlies’ offensive plans.

Tuomas Iisalo begins his first full season leading an injury-depleted Grizzlies lineup

Jerome, who joined Memphis to step up his shooting and playmaking, he was expected to be a reliable contributor on the second unit. Last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he averaged 12.5 points, 3.4 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 51.6 percent from the field and 43.9 percent from three in 70 games.

The Grizzlies backcourt will now rely heavily on the veteran Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, acquired in an emergency offseason sale who sent Desmond Bain to the Orlando Magic. Caldwell-Pope, known for his defensive versatility and perimeter shooting, will be tasked with a bigger role alongside Vince Williams, John Konchar and rookie Cam Spencer.

Memphis is also dealing with injuries in the frontcourt, as rookie center Zach Edey continues to recover from an ankle injury and Brandon Clark remains sidelined with a right knee problem.

Head coach Tuomas Iisalo, who replaced Taylor Jenkins in April, now faces a difficult start to his first full season in charge. The Finnish coach, known for his disciplined attacking system and high movement, will be challenged to establish consistency amid a depleted roster and changing rotations.

The Grizzlies open the regular season on Wednesday when they host the New Orleans Pelicans at 8 PM ET. For Memphis, the early spate of injuries underscores the steep road ahead as Iisalo begins his tenure leading a team desperate to regain its footing in the Western Conference.