Ja Morant Reveals Emotional Toll Injuries Have on Professional Athletes

Ja Morant revealed the emotional battle behind his injury setbacks.

Ja Morant Reveals Emotional Toll Injuries Have on Professional Athletes

Ja Morant (Image credits - Heavy Sports)

Ja Morant was one of the most entertaining players when he stepped foot into the NBA. He had the “it” factor and was known for his high-flying, explosive play. Some even saw him as the league’s future face.

Drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies as the number two pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Morant seemed destined for greatness. He won Rookie of the Year and was one of the league’s best players in his third season. In the 2021-22 campaign, he finished seventh in the MVP race, won the Most Improved Player award, and earned All-Star and All-NBA Team berths.

Unfortunately, injuries and off-court troubles took a toll on his career. His trajectory has steadily declined over the last three years, and he has nearly become a forgotten man in the NBA.

In an interview with Bleacher Report, Morant was asked about the mental toll of missing games due to injury.

Tough. It’s a lot. You want to be out there, knowing you can’t. I feel like nobody in this league would get injured and be able to play and not play, unless it’s something where it’s like, ‘All right, if I go play, I maybe can hurt it worse,’ or anything. Mentally, it can have you down on yourself. Actually, it can make you question everything, like, ‘Why it had to be me? Why at this time?’

Ja Morant on Bleacher Report

It is unfortunate that a player with such a high ceiling like Ja Morant has just faded away over the past few seasons. After all his off-court issues, the Grizzlies decided to hit the reset button and move on from their franchise superstar.

Multiple teams were interested in acquiring the two-time All-Star. In the end, he was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in the offseason.

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Ja Morant wants to play at the highest level

Ja Morant had all the tools to be the face of his franchise. After missing the playoffs in his rookie season, he led the Grizzlies to their first postseason appearance in four years in his second season.

The 2021-22 campaign was his breakout season, and the Grizzlies beat the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round. It was their first playoff series win in seven years, and many believed that it was just a matter of time before Morant became the best player in the NBA.

However, his body struggled to keep up with the demands of an NBA season, and off-court suspensions plagued his career. Once one of the league’s most entertaining players, he was labeled an underachiever.

Morant said he wanted to play at the highest level, and missing the playoffs due to injury took a toll on him.

For us, basketball is our job. Our goal was to play at the highest level. We had that opportunity to play at the highest level, then you’re injured and now it’s like you can’t go out there and play. Then for it to be the playoffs, where we got the opportunity to win the ring, it is tough.

Ja Morant on Bleacher Report

Morant has made just 79 appearances in his last three seasons. Between injuries and personal struggles, he went from a bona fide superstar to a player trying to find his feet again.

Ja Morant is fine with coming off the bench for the Portland Trail Blazers

With his stint in Memphis coming to an end, Ja Morant is ready to start a new chapter with the Trail Blazers. A change of scenery may be the perfect opportunity for the 27-year-old to leave his troubles behind and get a much-needed fresh start.

Ja Morant
Ja Morant (Image credits – ESPN)

Following his move to the Trail Blazers, there has been a lot of talk regarding where Morant will fit in the team. With plenty of backcourt depth on the roster, Morant is happy to come off the bench and is just focused on winning.

I think winning is the most important thing for me, so whatever role I have to play to get that done, I think nobody will be mad afterward. If I’m starting, if I’m not, it’s the same thing. I mean, it’s day 1 right now. I feel that’s a coach’s question. But for me, I have no problem with neither.

Ja Morant in his press conference

The Trail Blazers are expected to make some noise in the Western Conference next season. They are coming off a playoff appearance last season and even won a first-round game against the San Antonio Spurs. With the arrival of Ja Morant and Damian Lillard coming off a torn Achilles, the Trail Blazers may be one of the big surprises in the 2026-27 campaign.

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