The Memphis Grizzlies believe they will be right back in the playoff mix with a healthy Ja Morant. He was limited to just nine games last season because of a suspension and shoulder injury. The two-time All-Star has already been cleared for basketball activities and is ready to prove he is one of the NBA’s best.
It is easy to forget the Grizzlies finished with the second-best regular season record in the Western Conference for two straight years before disaster struck in 2024. Memphis set the record for most players used in a season and just could not keep anyone healthy. Assuming that improves, the Grizz should be right back in the thick of things.
A redemption season for Morant is step one in securing a massive honor in 2028. The 6’2 guard will be in his prime and could be a key piece on the next version of a dynasty.
Ja Morant could be part of Team USA at the 2028 Olympics
The Olympics come to Los Angeles in four years, and Team USA will be a massive favorite to win another gold medal. They have failed to win Olympic gold just three times since 1936 if you exclude the 1980 games where Team USA did not participate. Everybody expects them to win, but the Americans will be searching for fresh talent.
LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Jrue Holiday will all be over 38 years old by the time the Olympics roll back around. They figure to age out of the program. Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid, and Derrick White are all north of 30 already and could join them. That would leave just five returners on this squad in LA.
Tyrese Haliburton would be the only point guard back, and Team USA likes to have at least three. Jalen Brunson, De’Aaron Fox, and Morant are the most logical choices for the Americans as they look to build the best possible roster.
Beyond a need at his position, Team USA will be looking to field a star-studded roster. Their depth is a massive advantage, and the Americans plan on keeping it that way. Imagine Morant coming off the bench to lead the second unit in LA? It could spell doom for the rest of the world and put a gold medal around the Grizzlies star’s neck.
Morant was second-team All-NBA in 2022 and had fans thinking he could be the face of the league. He must focus on basketball and avoid the off-court pitfalls. If Morant is an annual MVP candidate, Team USA will struggle to stay no if Ja wants to play in Los Angeles.
The 25-year-old is ready for his comeback story. Ja Morant believes that includes multiple deep playoff runs for the Memphis Grizzlies and taking his game to another level. All of that could lead to representing Team USA and a shot at winning Olympic gold. All he has to do is perform.
