Ja Morant’s future with Grizzlies at stake after disappointing run costs head coach his job

Memphis Grizzlies could move on from Ja Morant after changing the offensive system that does not depend on his performances.

Ja Morant’s future with Grizzlies at stake after disappointing run costs head coach his job

Ja Morant and now former Memphis Grizzlies HC Taylor Jenkins

Ja Morant prepared this past offseason knowing the Memphis Grizzlies were about to launch themselves into the NBA title sweepstakes. The team looked strong with a myriad of pieces, and many felt they were the dark horses to upset the usual big teams.

The Grizzlies started off slow as injuries to Morant and other stars throttled the team. But then, they started putting together a string of wins and climbed up the Western Conference. There was a point in time when the team were third best despite what seemed like they had an extra gear in their hands.

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They continued that form well into the New Year and both fans and the media were hoping to see them battle hard in the playoffs. Then as the All-Star weekend arrived, it looked like they were struggling. A 3-8 record threatened to upset their playoff seeding as the rest of the West was heating up.

A few wins against struggling teams did not completely dispel those notions. Then a further five losses, some of which were in double digits, prompted questions. They are currently fifth and have secured a playoff spot.

But it seems senior management were not happy. Earlier today, they fired head coach Taylor Jenkins and promoted his assistant into an interim role. Jenkins spent six seasons with the team, but management felt they needed to go in a separate direction. The primary question now is what happens to Ja Morant.

Offense no longer has Ja Morant as focal point

The 25-year-old superstar was supposed to be one of the outside favorites to be a part of the MVP race. But so far this season, a mix of injuries and a reduced impact have raised a lot of questions. Some believe there is a possibility that the Grizzlies trade him this offseason. Now ESPN’s Tim MacMahon something is amiss.

There was an offensive philosophical tug-of-war, and this was not Taylor Jenkins’ system. They’ve gone from middle of the pack in terms of pick-and-roll in a pick-and-roll heavy league, to dead last by a significant margin. The next question is, you are fully committing to that style of play, that doesn’t really feature Ja Morant.

Tim MacMahon said

MacMahon asked if this change in offensive philosophy makes any sense for the Memphis Grizzlies to continue building a squad around Ja Morant. Hearing this, colleague Kendrick Perkins believes Morant is likely on the way out.

He pointed out that the star was up for a contract extension. Which could indicate to him that the franchise is likely to trade him soon. That way, they can avoid paying him a monster contract while also building a team that heads into a different direction.

Writing on the wall for Ja Morant

In those recent losses, the Memphis Grizzlies played without Ja Morant. The superstar has missed a lot of games this season and it has not helped his case at all. Moreover, now that the offensive system has shifted to something that does not involve the 25-year-old as a focal point, he may be on the way out.

If they were to extend him, it would be a contract larger than what he has now. The team might be thinking that they have enough players to go in a different direction and not pay an oft injured star that much money.

After the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic away, there were suggestions that players have to think about their future if they keep getting injured. With far too many on his stat sheet, Ja Morant is likely to trade too.

The Grizzlies can net some high draft picks and also get rid of the controversial star at the same time. Along with that, they can also help the team play their new system without having to provide him as many minutes and touches as he enjoys now.