The Memphis Grizzlies should be fine in the regular season without their best player. But the missing him in the playoffs is another story.
Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies has been on a self-imposed exile since he was seen on Instagram Live brandishing a pistol earlier this month. The gun incident was the latest of several controversies that placed the high-flying guard in hot water.
On Tuesday, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the two-time All-Star has ultimately decided to enter a counseling program in Florida. No timetable has been set for his return.
The hope now for Morant’s new undertaking is nothing but a positive outcome.
From a basketball standpoint, the Grizzlies are hoping for their main guy to be ready in time as they make a run at the title. Memphis is currently tied with the Sacramento Kings for second place in the West with a 40-26 win-loss card. With a talent like Morant, there’s no saying how deep the Grizzlies can go during the playoffs.
Last year, coach Taylor Jenkins and his charges went 20-5 without Ja. Should the 23-year-old miss the rest of the regular season, its safe to say that Memphis will survive. That said, an extended absence for Morant might also result in an unfavorable matchup in the postseason. Plus, not having that legit go-to guy in a win-or-go home setup would be a real problem for any team.
But hey, all is not lost. No timetable for a return might also mean a comeback sooner than later. Who knows? Maybe we’ll see Morant’s gravity-defying slams and impossible shot-making in the NBA much earlier than expected.