The Memphis Grizzlies have recalled Josh Jackson from the NBA G League’s Memphis Hustle, according to the team. Jackson, who spent his first two seasons with the Phoenix Suns, has been trying to find his way back into the NBA, now getting called up in the wake of Grayson Allen's injury.
Allen fell awkwardly in his left leg on Friday in a game against the Detroit Pistons. An MRI exam revealed a hip injury, sidelining him indefinitely until the pain subsides.
Jackson averaged 12.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists through the first two years of his career with the Suns. Phoenix had to make a gut-call decision between Jackson and Kelly Oubre Jr. last season, ultimately picking Oubre in free agency and signing him to a two-year, $30 million free-agent deal.
The San Diego native was traded on July 7 to the Grizzlies, who assigned him to the G League prior to the start of the season. Jackson has endured legal trouble since before coming into the league, first being charged with one count of misdemeanor criminal damage to property during his days at the University of Kansas in 2017.
In 2019 he was arrested for allegedly attempting to enter the VIP entrance multiple times and reportedly attempting to evade police while being arrested at a Miami concert. He was also accused of getting his infant daughter high, though he has categorically denied the allegations.
Jackson has been on a tear for the Memphis Hustle since, averaging 20.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.5 blocks through 26 games for the Grizzlies G League affiliate.