Memphis Grizzlies: The Road to Redemption Behind Ja Morant and a Revamped Roster

The 2023 season was a catastrophic one for the Memphis Grizzlies, a team once heralded for its 50-win seasons and young core brimming with promise. But as the Grizzlies are set to enter a new NBA season, fans and analysts alike are wondering if the team can bounce back from what was arguably their toughest year yet. Injuries ravaged their roster, and Ja Morant, their franchise star, was at the heart of the challenges—both on and off the court. Yet, there is renewed hope that the upcoming season will offer redemption for Morant and the Grizzlies as they look to reclaim their spot among the league’s elite.

Injuries: The Grizzlies’ Achilles Heel

Last season, Memphis was essentially a hospital ward in NBA uniforms. The Grizzlies led the entire league in games missed due to injury, amassing nearly 600 games lost—nearly double the total of the next most injury-plagued team, the Portland Trail Blazers. This staggering number is not just a statistic; it paints a grim picture of the Grizzlies’ misfortunes. Major contributors such as Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Brandon Clarke spent significant time sidelined, forcing the Grizzlies to rely heavily on G-League call-ups and younger, inexperienced players.

Among the wounded was Morant himself, the player Memphis had invested in as their future. He played only nine games, with a chunk of his missed time due to a 25-game suspension tied to off-the-court issues. The season, to put it lightly, was a disaster. Memphis, a team with championship aspirations, finished with a 27-55 record—a shadow of its former self from two consecutive 50-win seasons.

However, amidst the chaos, there were glimmers of hope. Jaren Jackson Jr. emerged as a promising number-one option, gaining valuable experience in a leadership role. Young talents like G.G. Jackson and Vince Williams showed potential to be future cornerstones. Though the team was decimated by injuries, these bright spots indicated that the future might not be as bleak as the record suggested.

Ja Morant: Memphis’ Guiding Star

As the Grizzlies look to the 2024 season, all eyes are once again on Ja Morant. Despite the tumultuous year, Morant’s talent remains undeniable. He is one of the most electrifying players in the league, and even with limited action last season, he managed to average over 25 points and 8 assists per game. For context, Morant has a unique ability to change the game just by stepping on the floor. His slashing and scoring at the rim are unparalleled, forcing defenses to collapse on him and creating space for his teammates. He scored more points at the rim per 100 possessions than any guard or wing in the past two seasons he played, further cementing his place as one of the league’s most dynamic interior scorers.

Yet, Morant’s impact is not just about individual stats. When he plays, the Grizzlies’ offense hums. They averaged 114.3 points per 100 possessions in the nine games Morant played last season, but in the 73 games he missed, that number plummeted to 107.3, one of the worst offensive ratings in the league. His absence was felt in every facet of the Grizzlies’ game, underscoring just how crucial Morant is to their success.

While his off-the-court issues last season sparked concern, Morant is now poised for a comeback. At 24 years old, he has the physical gifts and the basketball IQ to not only bounce back but lead the Grizzlies to greater heights. The expectation is that with a full season ahead of him and a revamped roster, he will return to form as one of the league’s most impactful players.

The New-Look Grizzlies: Ready for Playoff Contention

What makes this season different for Memphis is not just Morant’s return but the strength of the supporting cast around him. The Grizzlies’ front office made critical moves during Morant’s absence to ensure the team would be better equipped to handle adversity moving forward. One of the most significant changes was adding two Defensive Player of the Year winners: Jaren Jackson Jr. and Marcus Smart. With these defensive stalwarts anchoring the team, Memphis now has the defensive versatility to handle the league’s best offensive threats.

Jaren Jackson Jr., in particular, is coming into his own as an elite two-way player. He averaged over 20 points per game last season, adding a reliable scoring punch while also being the league’s premier shot blocker. His partnership with Morant on the floor gives Memphis a potent one-two punch on both ends of the court. Additionally, Desmond Bane, another 20-point-per-game scorer, will relieve Morant of some of the offensive burden, allowing the Grizzlies to diversify their attack.

Beyond their star trio, the Grizzlies have depth and versatility at almost every position. Santi Aldama, Luke Kennard, and Brandon Clarke add scoring and spacing, while players like G.G. Jackson and Ziaire Williams offer defensive upside and athleticism. The young core, having been battle-tested during the injury-riddled 2023 season, is more experienced and hungry for success. Memphis also added promising big man Zach Edey, whose imposing presence in the paint adds another layer of versatility to their rotation.

Playoff Aspirations: Can Morant Take Memphis to the Next Level?

As good as the roster looks on paper, the Grizzlies’ success ultimately hinges on Ja Morant’s ability to lead them deep into the playoffs. In previous postseason runs, Morant has struggled to replicate his regular-season dominance. Teams have been able to pack the paint and force Memphis into becoming a jump-shooting team, a strategy that has led to early exits in consecutive years. Morant, who shot under 39% in the 2022 playoffs and 42% in 2023, will need to elevate his game to lead Memphis past these defensive adjustments.

However, this season, Morant will have more help than ever before. With Jackson and Bane continuing to grow as offensive threats, the Grizzlies have multiple options to punish defenses that over-commit to stopping Morant. The addition of Marcus Smart, known for his leadership and defensive prowess, will also relieve Morant of some playmaking duties, allowing him to focus on scoring.

Conclusion: The Grizzlies’ Future Is Bright

Memphis enters the 2024 season with renewed hope. They have a star in Ja Morant, a deep and talented roster, and a defense that can smother opponents. If Morant can continue to mature both on and off the court and elevate his game in the playoffs, the Grizzlies have the pieces in place to make a deep postseason run. While last season was a nightmare, it set the stage for a brighter future—one that could see Memphis return to prominence in the Western Conference.

For the Grizzlies, the path to redemption begins with Ja Morant. As he goes, so goes Memphis, and if his talent is any indication, this is a team that could once again be a force in the NBA.