Ja Morant announces return date, as 25-game suspension nears end

Memphis Grizzlies star Morant is prepared and officially declares his return.

Ja Morant announces return date, as 25-game suspension nears end

Ja Morant ( via Sports Illustrated).

Temetrius Jamel “Ja” Morant, a player for the Memphis Grizzlies, received a 25-game NBA suspension due to being captured on Instagram live flashing a gun. This sanction follows a prior suspension of 8 games for the same offense.

Selected as the 2nd overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft’s 1st round, he has excelled since joining the Grizzlies. He boasts an impressive resume, including being a two-time NBA All-Star, the NBA Most Improved Player, and the Rookie of the Year.

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Having been sidelined throughout the season and amidst Memphis’s ongoing struggles, he announced his imminent return, pinpointing December 19, 2023, as the date when the Grizzlies are set to face the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Paycom Center. Notably, his last appearance for the Grizzlies was in a playoff match against the Lakers, specifically in Game 6.

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During the last season, he maintained an average of 26.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 8.1 assists, contributing significantly to the Grizzlies securing the second spot in the Western Conference standings. Unfortunately, their playoff journey concluded in Game 6, facing elimination at the hands of the LeBron James-led Lakers.

Grizzlies suffering in Ja Morant’s absence

This season, the Grizzlies are performing significantly below their usual standards, with a 5-14 record in the 19 games played. Having already faced elimination from the In-Season Tournament, they currently face the possibility of missing out on the promotion playoffs entirely.

Ja Morant
Ja Morant (via NBC news)

With Ja Morant on the roster, the Grizzlies prove to be a more formidable team. This was evident in their impressive 40-21 record last season with him playing. While Desmond Bane has made efforts, he doesn’t quite match Morant’s energy. Bane, himself, has maintained remarkable averages of 23.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists. Despite Marcus Smart being acquired only for his experience, he too has contributed 12.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game.

To rebound from their disappointing season, Morant’s return is vital, and maintaining discipline is equally crucial. The upcoming game at the Little Caesars Arena against the struggling Detroit Pistons, currently at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, offers the Grizzlies a chance to make strides toward securing a place in the promotion playoffs.

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