For the Memphis Grizzlies, it’s going to be a grind before the 2023-2024 NBA season even begins. They’ll need to figure it out without their star point guard, Ja Morant, who’s on leave. Morant, a two-time All-Star, is presently week to week. He sprained his left ankle in practice on Sunday. This went the way of Doug Martin’s comeback, a cruel disappointment after a long rehabilitation stretch for the pro. He had surgery in July to repair a turf toe injury.
Last year, Morant was undeniably one of the best players on the court, finishing with 23.2 ppg and 7.3 apg averages. His impact has been hard to gauge, with the talented point guard suiting up for just 59 games between the last two seasons. This inconsistency has raised concerns about his durability and the overall readiness of the team as they prepare for the regular season.
The Grizzlies’ injury troubles don’t stop with Morant. The team is currently dealing with injuries to three starters, further complicating their preparations for the start of the season. The absence of key players could hinder the team’s performance and cohesion on the court, especially as they look to build upon previous successes.
Morant’s propensity to get dinged up has been a concern that has been widely echoed by fans and media members both. In terms of team impact, coming off a season in which he struggled through multiple maladies, zapping his effectiveness and availability to help the team week-to-week. The Grizzlies will need to be careful with how they monitor his recovery. They should be careful not to rush him back into action before he’s fully healed.
In the meantime, Morant’s attention needs to be on getting better. The Grizzlies will adjust and look for ways to make up for the loss of their star player. The team’s depth will be tested as they navigate this difficult phase, and they will rely on their remaining roster to step up in Morant’s absence.
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