NBA: Grizzlies’ Ja Morant is Out for Season
Photo Credit: NBA
MEMPHIS, TN — It was an explosive return back on the court for Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant following a 25-game suspension. Morant was locked in, and his performance gave the team an instant jolt, leading the Grizzlies to six wins in the nine games he played. Morant averaged 25.1 points and 8.1 assists since his return on Dec. 19. However, Monday’s announcement that the superstar will undergo a season-ending surgery on his right shoulder has completely changed the narrative for Memphis.
The team is already missing center Steven Adams from a knee injury, and Brandon Clarke is out due to an Achilles injury. It is evident that Morant’s return was pivotal as the team faced an alarming number of injuries. Morant essentially was on board to drag the Grizzlies out of a steep hole and make an uphill run, unfortunately, that narrative has come to an abrupt end. At Saturday's training session, it was reported that Morant suffered a subluxation of his right shoulder. Due to discomfort, Morant underwent an MRI that revealed an underlying labral tear. Morant will undergo season-ending surgery.
The Memphis Grizzlies star shared his reaction to the news and wrote on X, "damn dawg," as well as "just waiting for the sun to come out…" Taking to Instagram, he also shared several pictures of himself with the caption, "tired of back soon."
The star player’s absence not only eliminates a potential uplift but brings a team that’s consecutively finished as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference to end up in the lottery. So, there is a silver lining after all, as Memphis can add a lottery pick to an elite young roster. Currently, the team stands in sixth place in the lottery standings.
So what now?
Following his journey to recovery, there is a little light to this situation as Morant is expected to make a full recovery ahead of the 2024-25 season.
