Ja Morant and the Grizzlies: Can They Return to NBA Relevance?

At 22 years old, Ja Morant was the NBA’s rising star, electrifying fans with his speed, athleticism, and dynamic play. His rise coincided with the Memphis Grizzlies’ ascent, as the team posted back-to-back 50-win seasons, establishing themselves as contenders in the Western Conference. Morant’s individual accolades included a top-10 MVP finish, a first All-Star appearance, and a spot on the All-NBA Second Team. In a league increasingly dominated by international players, Morant seemed destined to be the next great American-born star.

However, the last two seasons have not gone as planned. The Grizzlies’ momentum has slowed, and questions are swirling about whether both Morant and his team can regain their footing in a rapidly evolving NBA. Injuries, off-court issues, and increased competition in the Western Conference have all contributed to the uncertainty surrounding the Grizzlies’ future. But the core of this debate remains: Can Morant and the Grizzlies reclaim their position among the NBA elite, or has the league left them behind?

The Rise of Ja Morant and the Grizzlies

When Morant entered the league in 2019, his raw athleticism and fearless style of play quickly made him a fan favorite. His ability to blow past defenders and finish at the rim with jaw-dropping dunks earned him comparisons to some of the league’s greats. In just a few years, Morant helped transform the Grizzlies into a legitimate contender, as the team finished second in the Western Conference for two consecutive seasons.

The Grizzlies’ young core, including Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Morant himself, was complemented by a smart front office that made key draft picks and roster moves. Memphis was not only winning but was also set up for long-term success with a passionate fan base and a well-regarded organization. The future looked bright.

Off-Court Issues and Suspensions

However, Morant’s off-court behavior has cast a shadow over his on-court brilliance. In 2023, Morant was suspended for 25 games following a second off-court incident. This came after he had already met with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, promising that he would not repeat his previous mistakes. The suspension was seen as a message from the league: Morant needed to take responsibility for his actions and avoid further distractions.

This second suspension, combined with the Grizzlies’ injury-plagued season, disrupted their progress. While Morant returned to the court, he was quickly sidelined by injuries, playing just nine games during the 2023–2024 season. Memphis, a team that had once seemed destined for long-term success, suddenly found itself dealing with uncertainty.

Injury Concerns and Morant’s High-Risk Playstyle

One of the major factors affecting Morant’s future is his playstyle. Like Derrick Rose before him, Morant’s game is built on explosive athleticism, and he often throws himself at the rim with little regard for the potential consequences. This style of play, while thrilling, comes with significant injury risks.

Even before his 2023 suspension, Morant had dealt with injury issues. He has never played more than 70 games in a season and missed over 20 games in both the 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 seasons. For a player who relies so heavily on his speed and explosiveness, any loss of physical ability could have a profound impact on his effectiveness.

If Morant starts losing even a half-step due to injuries, it could significantly affect his game. While he is skilled around the rim, his effectiveness largely depends on his physical attributes. The question now is whether Morant can adapt his game to reduce the risk of injuries, or if he will continue to put his body on the line, potentially shortening his career.

The Grizzlies’ Playoff Struggles and Roster Changes

Despite their success in the regular season, the Grizzlies have struggled in the playoffs. Memphis made a significant move in the 2023 offseason by trading for Marcus Smart, a veteran guard with playoff experience, hoping to add leadership and improve their postseason performance. The move came in the wake of the team parting ways with Dillon Brooks and other players, signaling a shift toward a more veteran presence.

However, it’s still unclear how this roster will perform, especially given the injury-riddled 2023–2024 season. While the Western Conference continues to evolve, with teams improving and making adjustments, the Grizzlies remain something of a mystery. Will their core of Morant, Bane, and Jackson Jr. be enough to compete with the league’s best?

The Rest of the Western Conference

The Western Conference has become increasingly competitive, with teams like the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Lakers all making significant improvements. The Grizzlies, on the other hand, have remained relatively stagnant due to injuries and roster uncertainty. While the addition of Smart was meant to address some of their playoff issues, the team still faces questions about its depth, spacing, and offensive consistency late in games.

In particular, Memphis has struggled with late-game offense in the playoffs. Despite their regular-season success, they have not been able to close out games against elite competition. Morant has shouldered much of the offensive load, but the Grizzlies may need to find additional scoring options to take some of the pressure off their young star. The team’s ability to space the floor and create offense in high-pressure situations will be key to their playoff success moving forward.

What Lies Ahead for Ja Morant and the Grizzlies?

Despite the setbacks, there is still reason for optimism in Memphis. The team has a talented core, a smart front office, and a passionate fan base. If Morant can avoid further off-court distractions and stay healthy, he has the potential to be one of the league’s top guards for years to come. The Grizzlies’ young trio of Morant, Bane, and Jackson Jr. remains one of the most promising in the league, and with Smart providing veteran leadership, Memphis could find itself back near the top of the Western Conference.

However, even if the Grizzlies return to form, they still face the same fundamental challenges that have plagued them in recent years: injuries and playoff struggles. If Memphis hopes to truly contend for a championship, they will need to address their late-game offense and find ways to reduce Morant’s injury risk without limiting his effectiveness.

In the end, the question isn’t whether the NBA has left Ja Morant and the Grizzlies behind—it’s whether they can adapt and evolve to stay competitive in a league that is constantly changing. The pieces are still in place for Memphis to succeed, but time is running out for Morant and the Grizzlies to prove that they belong among the league’s elite