MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In the previous season, GG Jackson II did not have the opportunity to play with Ja Morant, as he only witnessed the two-time All-Star in action during nine games with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Jackson understands that Morant’s presence will significantly alter the dynamics of the team. “When we got the head of the snake out there, everybody’s role is definitely going to change,” Jackson remarked, indicating that Morant’s influence runs deep.
Morant, the team’s point guard, is pivotal to the Grizzlies’ fast-paced playing style. Entering his sixth NBA season, he was named the 2020 Rookie of the Year and the 2022 Most Improved Player. He also earned a place on the All-NBA team during the 2021-22 season, serving as the driving force that helped Memphis secure the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference consecutively.
However, the previous season was a struggle, with the Grizzlies finishing 27-55 while Morant was suspended for the initial 25 games due to issues off the court. Following this, he suffered a shoulder injury that required surgery, sidelining him further.
This absence may have offered Morant a chance for reflection and growth. During his time away from basketball, he focused on healing his shoulder and reassessing his priorities. “I’m blessed to be in the position that I’m in to do what I love at the highest level,” Morant shared. “Being able to take care of my family and also putting them in positions to excel in whatever they want to do in life is my main goal. So all that’s going well right now. So I have no complaints.”
Nike, one of Morant’s steadfast sponsors, recently launched a commercial featuring the slogan “I get up,” emphasizing both his athletic ability and resilience in overcoming obstacles.
Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins faced various challenges last season, beyond Morant’s suspension and injury. He observed defensive standout Jaren Jackson Jr. refine his offensive abilities, along with GG Jackson and Vince Williams, both of whom are currently struggling with injuries that will prevent them from participating in the season opener against Utah.
Despite the obstacles, Morant remains a dynamic force with his acrobatic dunks, playmaking skills, and finishing ability around the basket. Jenkins noted Morant’s enthusiasm this offseason, especially after receiving medical clearance in mid-July, allowing him to train intensively alongside his teammates, including inviting rookie and former two-time AP player of the year Zach Edey to practice sessions.
Morant’s mentorship during the summer played a role in Edey’s physical transformation, as the towering center reduced his weight to 290 pounds by the start of training camp. Jenkins expressed excitement for the upcoming season. “We all know that it’s an exciting time of the year,” he stated. “We’ve got a group that we believe in, but there’s going to be certain individuals on the team that are going to have to lead the charge in our competitiveness, our togetherness and truly setting the tone of really getting better and holding ourselves accountable to that,” he said, praising Morant’s focused dedication in conversations and training.
Jaren Jackson, drafted shortly before Morant in 2019, is pleased to see his teammate back at full health. Morant conveyed his happiness during the media day, which poses a concern for opposing teams in the league. Jackson remarked, “A healthy player is a confident player,” reflecting the positive atmosphere surrounding Morant’s return.
The Grizzlies’ roster has been built with a focus on Morant, Jackson, and shooting guard Desmond Bane, with general manager Zach Kleiman believing they are now entering a critical phase of their development. This is evident in the decision to draft Edey at the ninth overall pick to enhance their half-court offense, which has faced difficulties against teams that manage to contain their fast breaks. Jenkins is actively devising strategies to integrate Morant, Jackson, Bane, and 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart with Edey.
Morant is the cornerstone of this lineup. Last season, he achieved a career-high average of 27.4 points per game, receiving MVP votes in 2022 and 2023. If he aligns with Basketball-Reference.com’s projections of averaging 28 points over 36 minutes for the upcoming season, the Grizzlies could be contenders not only in the Western Conference but across the entire league.
For Morant and the Grizzlies, maintaining his presence on the court will be essential, which hinges on both health and steering clear of off-court issues. Morant, standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 174 pounds, has yet to exceed 67 games in a season, with notable absences during Memphis’ last two playoff runs.
“Obviously, I want to be out there every game,” Morant remarked. “So now my main focus is to be able to do that.”