A big dose of optimism has infiltrated the Memphis Grizzlies locker room despite their slow start to the season.
The main reason why? Help is on the way.
And not just any help. Memphis will gain the services of two-time all-star Ja Morant once his 25-game suspension is completed. He’s expected to make his season debut on Dec. 19 against the New Orleans Pelicans in the Grizzlies’ first nationally televised game of the season.
“I’ve been mixing him with the starting unit, the second unit, whatever it is just so he can develop chemistry with different guys,” coach Taylor Jenkins said.
Morant, 24, was suspended by the NBA after brandishing a gun in an Instagram Live video. He was previously suspended nine games in March for conduct before the league issued a heavier suspension.
The NBA has allowed the star point guard to practice with the Grizzlies, which has helped him get assimilated and ramped up for his 2023-24 debut. He has to leave the playing arenas two hours before games, but he’s also allowed to travel and practice on the road.
Whether it’s his countdown Instagram posts or constantly texting the Grizzlies group chat during and after games, Morant is itching at the opportunity to return and play.
Morant’s teammates have had the best view the past two months, and there is reason why they’re excited. Morant averaged 26.2 points per game last season and 27.4 two years ago. He was named an all-star and led the Grizzlies to the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference in each season.
“Same quick-trigger bounce, can jump over everybody,” Jaren Jackson Jr. said. “I’ve never had to deal with it as an opponent, but it’s scary when you see it.”
Adding Morant to the lineup will have a trickle-down effect that allows everyone to play in their most suitable positions. Jackson, who has tallied back to back 40-point games, will suddenly be a third option who faces less double teams. Desmond Bane will get more open looks, which should increase his 3-point efficiency, and he’ll also be in a secondary playmaking role.
One area Morant isn’t expected to make the team much better is perimeter defense, but not so fast. His teammates have noted the effort and intensity that he’s played with in practice.
Morant has added some bulk, which should allow him to hold up better against bigger guards and in switches against forwards. Vince Williams Jr. described Morant as an “energy guy” during practices.
“I feel like he’s putting in a lot more effort on the defensive end in practice,” Williams said. “If he’s doing it in practice, I know he’s going to do it in the games for us.”
In addition to Morant, Memphis is also closing in on the returns of Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard. Smart is expected to play in 5-on-5 settings this weekend, Jenkins said. He has been doing individual work in recent days.
Kennard is a step behind Smart in his return stage, but he isn’t far off.
With a 6-17 record and two games left without Morant, Memphis will hope that his presence can spark more wins. The Grizzlies started 6-16 during Morant’s rookie season before positioning themselves for a playoff spot. A bubble collapsed led to Memphis missing the postseason that year, but the thoughts of that season aren’t lost on the team.
“I think when he comes back, he has got to be settled in to the pace and get comfortable with that,” Xavier Tillman Sr. said. “Once that hits, it’s going to be crazy. We all know what he brings to the table, but him getting an opportunity to show what’s he been working on and building up to, I think it’ll be good.”