In a season that has veered off course for the Memphis Grizzlies, the return of star player Ja Morant from his 25-game suspension brings a glimmer of hope to a team grappling with unexpected challenges.
The initial plan during Morant’s suspension was clear: rely on Desmond Bane’s scoring prowess and bring in seasoned veterans Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose to stabilize the offense. However, injuries, including season-ending surgery for center Steven Adams, disrupted this strategy. Marcus Smart, Derrick Rose, and sharpshooter Luke Kennard also faced injury setbacks, contributing to the Grizzlies’ dismal 6-19 record.
Despite Desmond Bane’s valiant efforts, averaging 24.6 points and 5.2 assists per game, Memphis currently boasts the worst offense in the NBA after 25 games. The team’s struggles are evident in their low rankings in both shots at the rim (27th) and 3-point percentage (29th).
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Morant’s suspension stemmed from his off-court actions, waving a gun on social media, resulting in a 25-game ban. Despite being around the team facilities and practicing, Morant’s absence highlighted the importance of his elite playmaking skills to the team’s success. Morant, having undergone therapy as part of his suspension, expressed remorse, acknowledging the impact of his decisions on the team’s performance.
Now, as Morant prepares to make his comeback against the Pelicans, the Grizzlies find themselves at a crossroads. With a 6-19 record and 7.5 games behind the current No. 10 seed, the Phoenix Suns, the question arises: Can the Grizzlies salvage their season?
The path to redemption won’t be easy. Adjusting expectations becomes crucial for Memphis, with the goal shifting from a high seed to making the play-in tournament. The team must overcome a 7.5-game deficit, surpassing teams like Phoenix, Golden State, and Utah to secure a play-in spot.
To be in contention, the Grizzlies need to finish the season around .500, requiring a 35-22 record, equivalent to a 61.4% win rate. If Morant can seamlessly reintegrate into the team and elevate the offense, mirroring their performance from the previous season, a play-in berth becomes a possibility.
While challenging, making the play-in is not unprecedented. The Lakers, in a similar position last season, advanced to the Western Conference Finals. Morant acknowledges the difficulty of the task at hand but remains optimistic about the team’s potential for a second chance.
In a recent statement, Morant said, “Yes, it’s definitely some guilt in that…I take full responsibility, even though I’m not on the floor. Decisions I’ve made didn’t allow me to be out there to go to battle with my team.”
As Morant returns, the Grizzlies face a critical juncture, with the hope that his dynamic playmaking can reignite the team’s performance. The absence of Steven Adams and the challenges of readjusting to a team accustomed to playing without Morant present additional hurdles.
However, in this second chance, Morant and the Grizzlies have an opportunity to reshape their season. The road to the play-in is challenging, but with determination and a resurgent Morant leading the charge, Memphis aims to turn the tide and compete for a postseason spot.
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