Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies will miss the first 25 games of the 2023-24 NBA season, stemming from his gun-toting social media livestream actions.
The NBA handed down the 25-game suspension to the 24-year-old cager, something that may tell on the Grizzlies' upcoming campaign.
Considering Memphis had a good run last NBA season, it will be interesting if the charges of head coach Taylor Jenkins can replicate that feat without the two-time All-Star for the early part of the coming season, ESPN reported.
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Further, it raises questions about Ja Morant's health and conditioning as he sits out these games. But this early, the second overall pick of the 2019 NBA Draft appears to be making sure that he doesn't miss a step.
Morant put up a video on social media via @shotbynie, showing everyone that he is doing the necessary things to make sure he is ready once he is allowed to play his first game of the 2023-24 NBA season.
Given that Morant appears dialed in despite his off-court issues, his absence in the early goings of the coming NBA season could work in favor of the Grizzlies. There is no telling what surprises the 2020 NBA Rookie of the Year has up his sleeves, and any surprise may catch other teams off guard.
Memphis is expected to lean on Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose for the first 25 games with Morant out. While both are proven veterans, it cannot be denied that the former Murray State Racer leads the team differently with his all-around performance.
Grizzlies need Smart start
Smart ended up in Memphis following the three-team trade involving the Boston Celtics and the Washington Wizards. Aside from being a nine-year veteran, Smart is also the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award winner, NBA.com reported.
Hence, the 6th overall pick should ably hold up the fort for Morant with help from Derrick Rose.
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