All-Star Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant is serving out the remainder of his eight-game NBA suspension -- which was issued after a number of concerning off–court issues -- but could make his return to action as soon as this Monday.
Following a meeting with league commissioner Adam Silver, Morant issued a press statement, in which he apologized and took accountability for his recent behavior.
These incidents away from the hardwood could have a big monetary impact on what he’s capable of earning from his work on it. In a new piece, Keith Smith of Spotrac details how failing to qualify for an All-NBA team this season would adversely affect the five-year, maximum-salaried contract extension Morant signed last summer.
Language in the deal would enable Morant to earn more money with Memphis if he made an All-NBA team. He currently stands to earn 25 percent of the NBA’s anticipated $134M salary cap next season, when his extension kicks in. Were he to be named to an All-NBA team this year, though, he would become qualified to net 30% of that space over the course of his agreement.
The Grizzlies are not quite sure how Morant’s impending return to the floor will impact the team, either, writes Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated. Mannix notes that Morant was performing at an All-NBA level prior to his suspension and openly wonders if his extended time away from the court (not to mention the heavy drama surrounding it) might negatively affect his play in the short term.
While Morant has been away from the team, the pressure on Memphis' other 2023 All-Star, power forward Jaren Jackson Jr., to produce offensively has increased, writes Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal.
“He always shows flashes, and that’s been the thing with him,” backup point guard Tyus Jones said. “Consistency. He’s very capable of doing that. We need that from him, and he wants it. That’s the most important thing. He wants to continue to improve, he wants to dominate, he wants to be great. That’s all you can ask for.”
In a final Memphis note, Grizzlies shooting guard Desmond Bane was ejected from Wednesday's game against the Heat, per Ira Winderman of 'The South Florida Sun Sentinel' (Twitter link). Bane was assessed a Flagrant 2 foul for colliding with the groin with Heat power forward Kevin Love during a play (ESPN video link). Not exactly the look Memphis needs these days.
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