Memphis Grizzlies Injury Updates

With the offseason quickly coming to an end, Grizzlies.com checked in with a few Grizzlies players to get a status update on their rehab in advance of next week’s training camp in Memphis.

According to General Manager Chris Wallace, “All of these players will play a key role in the level of success we are able to achieve this upcoming season and we are thrilled that the majority have been fully cleared to participate in all basketball activities heading into training camp. Our goal as a franchise is obviously to start the season off strong and finish even stronger. Ownership, led by Robert Pera, has provided our players with a world-class medical and training staff, and our organization will continue to utilize a smart approach to the season to achieve our ultimate goal of winning an NBA Championship.”

Gasol has been cleared to resume full court activities heading into training camp and the preseason. He originally suffered a non-displaced Type II fracture of the navicular bone in his right foot on February 8, 2016. He underwent surgery to repair the injury on February 20, 2016. He went through his rehab protocol and directed court progressions in both Spain and Memphis throughout the offseason under the direction of his doctors. The navicular bone in his right foot is now fully healed and he has been in Memphis since the beginning of September increasing his court workload and participating in limited basketball activities.

Gasol was asked about his summer of rehab: “It was long. Long and boring. Obviously, we started the progression with the National Team and we didn’t quite make it on time so we had to – not step back – but step aside and continue the progression on our own and on a different level obviously. Everything has worked out for the best and everything is behind me. It was a really bad memory that actually has made me a better player.”

“I feel really good, lots of energy,” Gasol further explained. “Obviously I miss the game a lot. I want to play. I want to compete, and the one thing on my mind is to win, and try to lead this group of guys to the championship. That’s the only thing that I care about, knowing that my body is able to do that, and I’m confident. The doctors and everyone think my body’s going to hold up tremendously - even better than before the injury. That gives me a lot of confidence to do that.”

Gasol added some thoughts on new Head Coach David Fizdale. “Watching some tape from the system that he’s been on, by talking to him during the summer and seeing the things that he wants me to do obviously, it’s going to present different challenges, and I’m always looking forward to that. I’m looking forward to expanding my game, to be a better player. That’s probably the key to all this. It’s always to be prepared – to have your toolbox full so when coach asks you to do something different, you have it right there in your hand. You always want to work on all the little things that you can so you are prepared.”

Conley has been cleared to resume full court activities heading into training camp and the preseason. He suffered from Achilles tendonitis in his left foot throughout the end of the 2015-16 regular season, last playing in a game on March 6 against Phoenix. He went through extensive rehab this summer in Columbus and Memphis. The Achilles is now fully healed.

“Rehab went well. It was very tedious and I had to take baby steps every month, but it got better and better,” Conley said. “Right now I’m at 100 percent. The Achilles is feeling great. I’m just trying to get the body back in shape, I haven’t played in a long time. I’m looking forward to getting back out there with the guys. I think we’re going to obviously monitor all of our guys who have had injuries in the past just to make sure that we’re doing the right things for our bodies going forward for the long season.”

Conley went on. “I’m very excited to play for Coach Fizdale and all of the new coaches. They have brought a new mentality to our team. We’re looking forward to getting things going.”

Parsons has been going through his rehab in Dallas and Los Angeles this offseason and progressing as expected. He suffered a medial meniscus tear in his right knee on March 18, 2016 and underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair the tear on March 25, 2016. He is participating in limited court activity. He will be limited heading into training camp and the preseason and will be reevaluated weekly.

“It was a big summer for me. I really locked in on my diet this summer. I did the whole blood type diets where you really cut back with no dairy, no alcohol and no gluten for two straight months,” explained Parsons. “I really got lean and my knee has been responding really well to that. There’s no swelling, no pain. I have been progressing every week, doing more and more. Starting off with the bike, then the elliptical, then the pool workouts, and now I’m pretty much on the court, more lifting weights, box jumps, different kinds of agility stuff. I’m building up that strength and getting more comfortable with it.”

Parsons went on to stress how excited he is for the upcoming season. “It’s going to be fun. Obviously, with the roster that they have now, I think I’m a perfect fit for the style of play, the culture. Coach Fizdale’s system, he has groomed some really good wings in this league. Having someone that is young, fun, excited and new to the city just as I am, and someone like J.B. Bickerstaff that I had a close relationship with in Houston, is awesome.”

Wright has been cleared to resume full court activities heading into training camp and the preseason. He suffered a sprained right MCL on February 27, 2016. He has been rehabbing all summer in Nashville and is back at full strength.

“I did a lot of rehab getting my knee back in order and all of the muscles around it,” said Wright. “I’m feeling good and trending upward. I’m looking forward to (training) camp and getting ready to go. I’ll be on the court for training camp. Obviously with any injury, you don’t want to spike too early. We’ll work our way into it, but I’ll be a full go. I’m ready for it and looking forward to it.”

Martin has been cleared to resume full court activities heading into training camp and the preseason. He underwent a procedure to alleviate left foot soreness on April 22, 2016. He went through extensive rehab this summer in Memphis and his foot is now healed.

“My summer has been going really well. I’ve been going to the gym four days out of the week putting in a lot of work,” explained Martin. “Rehab has been going great and my foot feels 100 percent so everything is on track right now. I rehabbed right here in Memphis, staying close to the team and the organization. I’ll be good and ready to be out there come training camp.”

Davis is improving having battled through plantar fasciitis in his left foot this offseason, originally announced on July 6, 2016. He will be limited heading into training camp and the preseason and will be reevaluated weekly.

“I’m feeling great,” Davis said. “I’m taking this process one step at a time, trying to rest my foot and I’m looking forward to a great season.”

Adams underwent cartilage transplant surgery in his right knee on June 15, 2016. He is in the midst of his rehab now in Memphis, after previously rehabbing in Birmingham earlier this offseason. He is progressing as expected. He has not been cleared for court activity and is not expected to participate in training camp or the preseason. Currently there is no timetable for his return. He will be reevaluated weekly.

“Summer was good,” Adams said. “I spent most of my rehab in Birmingham, Alabama at Champion Sports. They’re known for helping professional athletes get better – back faster, quicker, back to 100 percent. So that’s pretty much where I was at this whole summer just rehabbing, it was good.”

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