Ja Morant has provided the Grizzlies with a renewed belief
The Memphis Grizzlies are 4-0 since Ja Morant returned from his 25-game suspension. The All-Star guard has immediately impacted his team's performances, especially on the offensive end.
According to Antonio Daniels, who spent 13 years in the NBA and was speaking via a recent episode of "NBA Dash Radio" on SiriusXM, Morant has given the Grizzlies a renewed belief.
"You start looking to bigger and better things," Daniels said. "They're a completely different team with him, man. Just the confidence, the swagger that he plays with. It wasn't there when they were 6-19. ... One player makes a huge difference in this league, and when you get that guy back, it's almost like a jolt of energy, of confidence, of belief, of hope. ... It's like they're going into games now, and they feel like they can win every game because Ja Morant is present."
Morant is averaging 28.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 8.5 assists, shooting 50.6% from the field and 16.7% from three-point range in the four games since his return to the rotation.
His energy and explosivness have been infectious throughout the locker room. Memphis looks like a team that suddenly believes they can turn their season around.
Marcus Smart returned from injury on Tuesday and helped the Grizzlies secure an overtime win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Derrick Rose is expected to return to the rotation in the near future and Brandon Clarke should be ready to play before the end of February.
After months of struggling, the Grizzlies are finally getting healthy.
Sitting 13th in the Western Conference, the Grizzlies still have an opportunity to climb the ladder and secure a spot in the playoffs or the play-in tournament.
Morant's return has helped breathe a newfound belief into Taylor Jenkins' team. If he can stay injury-free and avoid any more missteps, Morant could be an incredible catalyst over the coming months, which is a credit to the level of talent he brings to the table.
More must-reads: