Imagine a star player sidelined for weeks, his team thriving in his absence, and fans left wondering: Is he still the cornerstone of the franchise? That’s the reality Ja Morant faced as he returned to the Memphis Grizzlies lineup after a 10-game hiatus. On Friday night, the dynamic guard finally stepped back onto the court against the Utah Jazz, marking his first appearance since a right calf strain benched him on November 15th. But here’s where it gets intriguing: While Morant’s absence was the longest this season—stemming from injury, a suspension for criticizing the coaching staff, and a previous ankle issue—the Grizzlies went 7-3 without him, raising questions about the team’s dependency on their star.
Morant, who started against Utah, had last played in a 108-100 loss to Cleveland, where he scored just seven points in six minutes. This season, his averages of 17.9 points and 7.6 assists per game are a noticeable dip from his career norms. His shooting percentages, both overall and from three-point range, have also taken a hit, leaving fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. Is this a temporary slump, or is there a deeper issue at play?
And this is the part most people miss: Morant’s current scoring average is nearly five points below his career average of 22.4 points per game. For a player known for his explosive athleticism and clutch performances, this decline is hard to ignore. But let’s not forget, this is the same Ja Morant who was the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, following only Zion Williamson, and has been a cornerstone of the Grizzlies since his rookie year.
Now in his seventh NBA season—all with Memphis—Morant’s return comes at a pivotal moment. The Grizzlies are 14-9, sitting comfortably in the Western Conference standings, but the question remains: Can Morant regain his All-Star form and lead the team to playoff success? Or has the team inadvertently discovered a formula that works without him?
As Morant steps back into the spotlight, one thing is clear: His performance in the coming weeks will be under intense scrutiny. Will he silence the doubters, or will this season mark a turning point in his career? Let’s spark a conversation: Do you think Ja Morant is still the key to the Grizzlies’ success, or has the team evolved beyond their reliance on him? Share your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
