Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr., emerging as a franchise cornerstone in his rookie season, is expected to be sidelined for the foreseeable future with a right quad injury, league sources told ESPN on Friday.
The Grizzlies will treat Jackson, the fourth pick in the 2018 NBA draft, cautiously in terms of a timetable on his return, sources said.
Jackson's loss could ultimately help the organization keep its 2019 first-round draft pick. The Grizzlies owe the Boston Celtics the pick if it falls outside of the top eight. Memphis is flailing at 23-37 and in 14th in the Western Conference.
Jackson, 19, is averaging 13.8 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. He's shooting 36 percent on 3-pointers.
Jackson played one season at Michigan State before entering the draft.