2023-24 was a lost season for Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies, who missed the playoffs with a 27-55 record. That was much in part due to their franchise star’s absence, missing the first 25 games because of suspension before suffering a shoulder injury that ended his campaign after only nine contests played.
But, it appears Ja is on the mend. He’s been cleared to continue basketball activities, via Damichael Cole of Memphis News. Morant also hopped on X and confirmed it himself:
Morant has a good three months to get into tip-top shape before the 2024-25 campaign, which should be a bounce-back season for not only him but also the Grizzlies. The former Murray State star has been in the news for all the wrong reasons over the last couple of years such as flashing guns on social media and assaulting a teenager at a pickup basketball game. Not a good look. However, it’s hopefully behind Morant now and he can focus strictly on basketball.
A tough year for Ja Morant
While he’s been out of the picture, we can’t forget that Ja is still one of the brightest stars in the Association. In 61 contests in 2022-23, he averaged 26.2 points, 8.1 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per night but they ended up losing in the first round of the postseason to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Grizzlies have enjoyed success at times without Morant, but the reality is they need him to be at their best. He is a game-changer in so many ways because of his versatile skillset. Ja makes everyone around him better.
In January, Ja suffered a labrum tear and ultimately underwent surgery. In those nine games he featured in, the Grizzlies were 6-3. He gave them a much-needed spark. Morant spent about a month following the injury with his arm in a sling.
Grizzlies’ outlook with Morant back
Morant wasn’t the only notable Grizzlies player injured last season. Marcus Smart, a key acquisition, only played in 20 games. Desmond Bane also missed substantial time with an injury. Jaren Jackson Jr was essentially the only healthy starter for Taylor Jenkins’ squad.
When at full strength, Memphis will be a contender. Morant, Bane, JJJ, Smart, and also Brandon Clarke, another key piece who was injured, form a solid starting five. While the Grizzlies haven’t been able to advance past the Western Conference Semifinals in the Morant era, the West is wide open. Anything is possible if they’re firing on all cylinders. The organization also just drafted big man Zach Edey and although he may not be as dominant at the NBA level, the Canadian could be a nice depth player for the Grizz.
Ja Morant’s best season came in 2021-22 when Memphis lost to the Golden State Warriors in the conference semis. He posted averages of 27.4 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.7 rebounds.
Knowing Ja and his talent, it won’t be the least bit surprising to see him show out in a big way next season. After watching from the sidelines for far too long, he’ll be motivated to prove that he’s still a top-five player in this league.
