Ja Morant‘s season is over.
On Monday, the Grizzlies introduced Morant, who just lately returned from a 25-game suspension, will endure season-ending labrum surgical procedure.
His loss ought to finish any hope of a late-season playoff push for the Grizzlies. Memphis started the yr 6-19 with out Morant however responded with 4 consecutive wins upon his return. In 9 video games with the No. 2 general decide of the 2019 NBA Draft, Memphis was 6-3.
Morant averaged 25.1 factors and eight.1 assists per recreation. He instantly made an influence in his first recreation again, scoring a season-high 34 factors, together with the successful basket as time expired, towards the Pelicans in a 115-113 win.
The Grizzlies have been already restricted as a consequence of accidents which compelled heart Steven Adams and energy ahead Brandon Clarke to overlook all the season.
Morant’s harm, sadly, suits the theme of Memphis’ season, one outlined extra by participant absences than the rest.
But whereas this season is misplaced, Memphis (13-23, thirteenth within the Western Convention) should not be down for lengthy. With a wholesome Morant, Clarke and Adams — to associate with Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Marcus Sensible — the Grizzlies must be again within the postseason subsequent yr.
Their 2024 draft decide most likely turned far more beneficial with Morant’s harm, which they will use to draft an influence rookie or use in a commerce to enhance the roster round their younger core.
That is little solace to the Grizzlies or their followers within the current, who’ve a protracted, depressing remainder of the 2023-24 season to endure earlier than they see brighter days.
