Memphis Grizzlies Star guard Ja Morant is looking to stay on the court and help lead the team back to the top of the Western Conference this season after a few disappointing seasons. However, a local insider offered new information that could threaten Morant’s plans.
New Report Confirms Ja Morant is Dealing With a Significant Injury
Grizzlies insider Damichael Cole reported on social media that Morant suffered a sprained left ankle in practice and will be evaluated on a weekly basis. Morant has a lengthy injury history, including dealing with multiple ankle strains. He missed significant time with a torn labrum in his right shoulder last season and has also dealt with knee, back, hip, and thigh ailments throughout his career.
Morant has only played in 59 games the last two seasons, while battling injuries and also serving a lengthy suspension due to a personal conduct violation. He recently stated one of his biggest goals is to play a full 82-game season for the first time in his career.
Morant’s sprained ankle puts that goal in jeopardy this season, as the team will likely be cautious regarding their franchise player. He produced when he was available last season, averaging 23.2 points and 7.3 assists per game last season.
Ja Morant just threw down a CRAZY dunk after the whistle 🤯😱 pic.twitter.com/fpQnist4AJ
— NBA (@NBA) January 16, 2025
This is a pivotal year for the Grizzlies as they attempt to regain momentum at the top of the West. The Grizzlies emerged as a genuine threat during the 2021-2022 season, winning 56 games and earning the number two seed heading into the playoffs. Morant won the Most Improved Player Award and also earned Most Valuable Player Award votes, finishing seventh on the ballot.
The Grizzlies had another 50+ win season the following year, but were unable to break through in the playoffs during either campaign. Then things began to fall apart as Morant dealt with personal and professional issues.
At the same time, the team essentially hit rock bottom last season, getting swept in the first round of the playoffs by the eventual champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
Morant is leading a new era in Grizzlies basketball as the team fired Taylor Jenkins after a six-year run during which he became the winningest head coach in franchise history. However, multiple rumors circulated that cracks had formed in the once-strong relationship between Morant and Jenkins.
New head coach Tuomas Lisalo is tasked with getting the Grizzlies back into championship contention. Morant is excited about his fit in Lisalo’s offense, which emphasizes playing at a high-octane pace and allowing Morant to attack defenses in the pick-and-roll. With Morant’s three-point shooting declining over the last three years, the ball needs to stay in his hands to maximize his strengths.
Ja Morant | Pick & Roll Scoring pic.twitter.com/8loLPMEWHy
— Intuition Hoops (@IntuitionHoops) April 19, 2024
The anticipation for Morant to excel in Lisalo’s system is high, but for now, the team will help him navigate the latest injury setback in his career.
