Ja Morant Is Out for the Rest of the Season
On Sunday the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Phoenix Suns 121-115 to improve to 13-23, but they were without their star player Ja Morant who recently just came back from a 25-game suspension. It was revealed on Saturday that Morant suffered a subluxation of his right shoulder, and following ongoing soreness and instability, Ja underwent an MRI that revealed an underlying labral tear. He will undergo season-ending surgery and will be expected to make a full return next season. Let’s look into Morant’s quick return, and how the Grizzlies can compete the rest of the season.
Ja Morant played in nine games following his 25-game suspension. He averaged about 25 points, six rebounds, eight assists, a steal, and a block in 35 minutes of action. His best game of the season was his first game back from suspension on December 19th against the New Orleans Pelicans. In 35 minutes, Ja dropped 34 points along with having six rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and a block in a 115-113 win. Since Ja came back, the Grizzlies went on to go 6-3. Memphis went from being 7-19 to 13-23 with Morant coming back to the team, and now they’ll have to figure out a new game plan to keep winning games.
Memphis must work out a few kinks in their system in order to get better without Ja Morant this season. First, with 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. and a few forwards over 6 '8, Grizzlies center Bismack Biyombo should not be leading the team in rebounds. Memphis ranks 24th in rebounds, 22nd in offensive rebounds, and 20th in defensive rebounds. Secondly, with great three-point shooters such as Desmond Bane, and Luke Kennard, the team can’t rank last in three-point percentage. Finally, the Grizzlies rank last in points scored per game. If this Grizzlies team can improve in these three areas, Memphis can come in and compete against some of the tougher Western Conference foes. Will the Grizzlies rise up or fall apart without Ja Morant?
