Ja Morant will quickly enter his sixth season with the Memphis Grizzlies, and it is likely to be his most essential but.
Morant misplaced his method within the 2023-24 season, so he wanted to play persistently effectively final 12 months to get his profession again on observe.
The purpose guard exceeded expectations by main the Grizzlies to a formidable 48-34 document within the Western Convention, however the 12 months ended with disappointment.
After beating the Dallas Mavericks within the Play-In Event, Memphis had been swept by the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder within the first spherical.
Whereas many blamed Morant, as he’s the Grizzlies’ finest participant, an NBA champion not too long ago argued that he’s the least of their issues.
Former All-Star Jeff Teague highlighted Morant’s significance to the Grizzlies in a current episode of the Membership 520 Podcast.
Teague defined that Memphis are “must-see TV” when Morant is on the court docket, however that they’re “horrible” when he’s not enjoying.
He additionally praised the 26-year-old’s “aggressive” mindset, which is demonstrated by his not eager to type a superteam.
“I don’t know if Ja Morant watches the present, but when he does, I’m a Ja Morant believer, and for some motive, I simply really feel like he is aware of tips on how to win. He has some magic with that group,” Teague mentioned.
“Once they don’t have Ja, they’re horrible. Ja is must-see TV. When he’s on the court docket, you’ve obtained to place him on ESPN for positive. The NBA is healthier when Ja Morant is wholesome.
“Memphis is a cool staff to observe when Ja Morant is enjoying. When Ja isn’t enjoying, please don’t put Memphis on TV, and that’s no disrespect.
“He talks loopy, he’s aggressive, bro, I like that. He’s not making an attempt to ask anyone to come back play with him. His pops is courtside. I mess with that entire vibe.”
Whereas the 2023-24 season was an outlier due to an off-court incident, Ja Morant has often missed many video games.
Morant has solely performed 60 or extra instances in three out of his six seasons with the Grizzlies and by no means greater than 70.
Contemplating his affect on the staff’s offense, it will actually profit Memphis if he can keep wholesome within the upcoming season.
| Season | Video games | Factors | FG% | 3P% | Rebounds | Assists |
| 2024-25 | 50 | 23.2 | 45.4 | 30.9 | 4.1 | 7.3 |
| 2023-24 | 9 | 25.1 | 47.1 | 27.5 | 5.6 | 8.1 |
| 2022-23 | 61 | 26.2 | 46.6 | 30.7 | 5.8 | 8.1 |
| 2021-22 | 57 | 27.4 | 49.3 | 34.4 | 5.7 | 6.7 |
| 2020-21 | 63 | 19.1 | 44.9 | 30.3 | 4.0 | 7.4 |
| 2019-20 | 67 | 17.8 | 47.7 | 33.5 | 3.9 | 7.3 |
As for his performances, the purpose guard was not as efficient final 12 months as he was within the 2022-23 season, when he averaged 26 factors, 6 rebounds, and eight assists.
There may be nothing mistaken with 23, 4, and seven, however that isn’t sufficient to hold the Grizzlies deep into the postseason. So can Morant rediscover his previous type?
