MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Ja Morant, the superstar guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, will be out for the remainder of the season due to a right shoulder injury that requires surgery. The team made the announcement on Monday night.
Morant suffered a subluxation of his right shoulder during a training session on Saturday, causing him to miss the Grizzlies’ win against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. After undergoing an MRI scan, it was discovered that Morant also has an underlying labral tear, which will need to be repaired surgically.
The team expects Morant to make a full recovery in time for the start of the 2024-25 season. This injury comes after a suspension earlier in the season for conduct detrimental to the league, stemming from an incident in which Morant displayed a firearm during an Instagram Live video.
This marks the second season-ending surgery for a Memphis starter, as center Steven Adams underwent surgery before the season began to repair the PCL in his right knee. Adams has been sidelined since January of last year.
Morant, a two-time All-Star and the recipient of a lucrative contract extension, had been performing at a high level this season, averaging 25.1 points and 8.1 assists per game in his nine appearances. However, his absence will be a significant blow to the team, which currently sits in 13th place in the Western Conference with a 13-23 record.
Despite the challenges, the Grizzlies managed to secure a 6-3 record with Morant in the lineup, matching their win total during his 25-game suspension. The team will now have to adjust and find ways to compensate for the absence of their star player.
In conclusion, Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies will miss the rest of the season due to a right shoulder injury that requires surgery. The team hopes for his full recovery by the start of the 2024-25 season. This adds to the list of injury setbacks for the Grizzlies, as they have already lost their center Steven Adams to a season-ending knee injury. Despite their challenges, the team managed to achieve some success with Morant in the lineup, but now they face the task of moving forward without their talented guard.