Ja Morant said he was done with dunking. His body couldn’t handle the punishment anymore, he claimed. But watching the Memphis Grizzlies star throw down a windmill dunk that would make Vince Carter jealous, you have to wonder — can someone that explosive really change who they are?
How Does Ja Morant’s Latest Viral Video Impact His “No More Dunking” Promise?
Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant was in Asia this week, where he got a chance to show off his exceptional abilities to the basketball-crazy fans in China. The 25-year-old All-Star did not disappoint when handed the opportunity.
On Saturday, the video of Morant’s incredible dunk started to circulate on social media. After taking a running start, the South Carolina native picks up the ball midair and pulls off a remarkable windmill dunk, leaving fans stunned.
JA. MORANT. 😳🙈 pic.twitter.com/VBBjk3DJIZ
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 26, 2025
The timing makes this dunk particularly interesting. Per ESPN, in December 2024, Morant confirmed that he would be keeping his dunks to a minimum as he looked to avoid recurring injuries.
“I’m not trying to dunk at all. Y’all think I’m lying. I’m dead serious,” said Morant. “Sometimes I get knocked out of the air and [a foul] don’t get called, and now I’m out longer than what I’m supposed to be.”
What Do Morant’s Injury Struggles Mean for the Grizzlies’ 2025-26 Playoff Hopes?
Concerns about Morant’s health had been raised as the preseason progresses. Those worries seem to have faded after the explosive scorer pulled off the incredible slam while on tour, but his injury history tells a different story.
Morant suffered a hip contusion during Game 3 of the Grizzlies’ playoff series against the OKC Thunder in April. The hip issue was the latest setback for a player who just can’t seem to stay healthy for extended periods. Over the last two seasons, Morant has averaged just 29.5 regular-season games.
The numbers tell the story of what Memphis loses without its star. Led by Morant, Memphis recorded a franchise-best 56 wins in the 2021-22 season (tied with the 2012-13 Grizzlies that also finished with a 56-26 record) and went all the way to the Western Conference semifinals. They followed that up with 51 wins in the 2022-23 campaign.
Last season, Morant led the team in points (23.2) and assists (7.3) and finished second in steals (1.2). Without him on the court, the Grizzlies simply aren’t the same team that once dominated the Western Conference.
One of Morant’s greatest strengths is his ability to take over a game and light up the crowd with exhilarating plays. Unfortunately, his explosive dunks can also be high-risk and could lead to serious injuries.
Morant looks ready for the upcoming season, and here’s hoping that the young guard can remain healthy through the 2025-26 campaign and remind us all why he is considered one of the league’s most exciting talents.
