After a rough 2023 season, the Memphis Grizzlies are an easy pick to be one of the NBA's most improved squads this year. However, big man Jaren Jackson Jr. already got some bad news.

Jackson got hurt on the first day of training camp, via ESPN's Tim MacMahon.

“Grizzlies PF/C Jaren Jackson Jr. experienced hamstring tightness during the first practice of camp. He will get imaging,” McMahon reported.

Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins said that it might be a strain, and there's no timetable for Jackson to return yet.

Jackson could miss most of October, via The Athletic's Joe Vardon.

“If the diagnosis confirmed what Jenkins said the Grizzlies are expecting — a hamstring strain for the 2023 NBA Defensive Player of the Year — Jackson would likely miss a substantial portion of Memphis’ preseason and, potentially, Memphis’ season opener Oct. 23 against Utah, depending on the severity of the strain,” Vardon said.

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While a strained hamstring isn't a death sentence, it can also be a nagging ailment throughout the season. A compromised Jackson would be a blow to Memphis, as the two-time NBA All-Defensive first-teamer is one of its best players on both ends.

Grizzlies can ill-afford to lose Jaren Jackson

Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) reacts in the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum.
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Jackson may be Memphis' most balanced player, as he followed up his Defensive Player of the Year campaign with his best offensive season yet, finishing with a career-high 22.5 points per game on 44.4% shooting. Jackson with a healthy Ja Morant and Marcus Smart could be a dangerous team in the Western Conference, especially with two-time National College Player of the Year Zach Edey rotating in at center.

Don't be surprised if the Grizzlies are uber-cautious with Jackson. Not being at full strength is fine in the first couple of months, but having all of their weapons available is paramount once the playoffs approach. A setback at the end of the year would be catastrophic.