MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Ja Morant, guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, will undergo season-ending surgery for a subluxation of his right shoulder, the team announced on Monday. The decision comes after Morant experienced ongoing soreness and instability, ultimately revealing an underlying labral tear through an MRI. It is expected that Morant will make a full recovery in time for the 2024-25 season.
Prior to his injury, the 24-year-old Morant had been performing exceptionally well, averaging 25.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 8.1 assists over nine games. He made a strong return following a 25-game suspension for multiple instances of brandishing a gun, leading the Grizzlies to a 3-0 record and receiving Western Conference Player of the Week honors.
The loss of Morant is a significant blow to the Grizzlies, who have already been dealing with the absence of starting center Steven Adams, who also underwent season-ending surgery. Despite displaying resilience and winning seven of the past 11 games since Morant’s return, Memphis now faces the reality of navigating the rest of the season without their star player.
Even with Morant’s presence, the Grizzlies faced challenges in their quest for the playoffs or Play-In games. Questions regarding roster depth persisted, particularly at the wings and frontcourt positions. The returns of Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard, while uplifting for coach Taylor Jenkins, may not be enough to compensate for the absence of Morant. In order to excel, Memphis will need players like Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. to step up into larger roles.
At the moment, the Grizzlies hold the 13th spot in the Western Conference standings with a record of 13-23. With Morant’s season-ending injury, the team must now prioritize consolidation and focus on the 2024-25 season.
In conclusion, Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies will undergo surgery for a subluxation of his right shoulder, sidelining him for the remainder of the season. His absence poses significant challenges for the team, as they strive to secure a playoff spot. Nevertheless, the Grizzlies remain a talented unit and have the potential to cause upsets in future games. However, their immediate focus will be on regrouping and preparing for the next season.