Excitement fills the air as Ja Morant, the dynamic guard of the Memphis Grizzlies, is set to make his season debut against the New Orleans Pelicans. The 25-game suspension, stemming from social media incidents involving handguns, concludes, marking Morant’s eagerly anticipated return to the court.
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “He’s been awesome outside of not being able to play in the games.” Despite the suspension, Morant made the most of his time, actively engaging with teammates during practice, travel, and morning shootarounds.
During the suspension, Morant couldn’t be in the arena during games, but that didn’t dampen his commitment. Jenkins noted Morant’s increasing involvement in practices over the past weeks, with the two-time NBA All-Star even participating in video chats with teammates during games.
“He seems to be in a really good spot. The way he’s responded in the 5-on-5s the last couple of days has been really good,” Jenkins praised Morant’s dedication to conditioning and strength during his time away.
Morant, speaking to reporters for the first time this season, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to rejoin his team and acknowledged the countdown to his return. The suspension, totaling 33 games, compelled Morant to reflect on off-court decisions impacting the Grizzlies’ previous season.
The 2020 NBA Rookie of the Year and 2022 Most Improved Player faced dual suspensions for social media incidents involving a gun. Despite the setbacks, Morant remained resilient, working closely with the NBA office and the National Basketball Players Association during his hiatus.
Now, Morant returns to a transformed Memphis squad, facing challenges and injuries that have marked the early part of the season. The Grizzlies, on a five-game skid, look to Morant’s return as a beacon of hope and a potential turning point in their season.
As the clock ticks toward game time, fans eagerly await the electrifying presence of Ja Morant back on the court, ready to make an impact for the Grizzlies in the clash against the Pelicans.