Memphis Grizzlies guard/forward John Konchar underwent a successful surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his left thumb and will be reevaluated in approximately three weeks.
John Konchar To Make Full Recovery
According to the Grizzlies, Konchar sustained the injury in a Dec. 7 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. The 6-foot-5 guard/wing recorded two points, three rebounds, and three steals in 17 minutes of the 119-96 blowout victory.
Konchar, 29, is expected to make a full recovery. The Grizzlies first announced that Konchar would require a procedure for the UCL tear on Dec. 11, when the team said starting center Zach Edey would miss at least four weeks.
A former undrafted free agent, Konchar has spent his entire NBA career with the Grizzlies. After playing four years with Purdue-Fort Wayne, he signed a two-way contract with Memphis during the 2019 offseason.
The @memgrizz today announced the following medical update: pic.twitter.com/GtMChh501c
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) December 16, 2025
Through 22 games off the bench this season, Konchar is averaging 3.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 13 minutes per contest while shooting 51% from the field and 32.1% from 3-point territory.
In Memphis’ 126-119 road loss at San Antonio on Dec. 2, he recorded a season-high 13 points to go with two boards and three dimes in 17 minutes as a reserve.
Per Spotrac, Konchar is making $6.16 million this season and is slated to earn the same salary in 2026-27. This is part of the three-year, $18.49 million contract extension he signed in July 2022.
Grizzlies Have Several Injured Players
The Grizzlies once again have several players sidelined with injuries this campaign. Three players have yet to make their season debuts: Brandon Clarke (knee surgery), Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe surgery), and Ty Jerome (calf strain).
In addition, Zach Edey will be reevaluated in four weeks with a stress reaction in the left ankle he had surgically repaired in the offseason, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Dec. 11.
“This is a management plan to optimize Zach’s long-term health in consultation with the Grizzlies and medical experts,” his representative, Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports, told the network.
“Following this step, the short- and long-term prognosis for Zach is excellent.”
Rookie guard Javon Small is also continuing to make progress from the turf toe injury on his left foot. Small is expected to be back in action in about three to five weeks, according to the Grizzlies.
