Utah Jazz Center Jaren Jackson Jr. to Undergo Knee Surgery During All-Star Break
Just days after landing one of the league’s premier defenders in a high-profile trade, the Utah Jazz are now facing a tough early test in their new partnership with Jaren Jackson Jr.
The team announced that Jackson will undergo surgery to remove a localized pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) growth in his left knee. The condition was discovered during a post-trade physical, with an MRI revealing the issue shortly after his arrival in Salt Lake City.
The decision to move forward with surgery wasn’t taken lightly. According to the Jazz, the organization worked closely with Jackson, his representatives, and multiple medical specialists before settling on a plan that will have the procedure take place during the NBA All-Star break. That timeline gives Jackson the best shot at minimizing missed time while addressing the issue head-on.
For Utah, this is a frustrating development, but not one without silver linings. Jackson has only suited up for three games in a Jazz uniform, but his impact was immediate.
He averaged 22.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while anchoring the defense in the paint. The Jazz held opponents to just 108 points per game and an icy 39.2% shooting from the field in that stretch - numbers that speak to Jackson’s ability to alter shots, disrupt rhythm, and control the interior.
Let’s not forget, this is the same player who earned NBA Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2023. His timing, length, and instincts make him one of the most versatile defenders in the league - a rare big man who can switch, protect the rim, and still stretch the floor offensively.
The Jazz acquired Jackson with an eye toward long-term success, and while this surgery is a speed bump, it doesn’t change the trajectory of what they’re building. The team is clearly taking a cautious and strategic approach, ensuring Jackson gets the care he needs now rather than risking a more serious issue down the line.
There’s no official timetable yet for his return, but the All-Star break window gives Utah some breathing room. With Jackson’s defensive presence and two-way skill set, the Jazz have a cornerstone piece who can elevate their ceiling on both ends of the floor - once he’s back to full strength.
For now, it’s about recovery, patience, and keeping the bigger picture in focus. Jackson’s stint in Utah has only just begun, and despite this early detour, the promise of what’s to come is still very much intact.