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Morant's return unlikely to solve the Grizzlies' problems

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Ja Morant's return is unlikely to solve the Grizzlies' problems

By Reece Johnston | Last updated 12/12/23

The imminent return of Ja Morant may give Memphis Grizzlies fans reason for hope, but the All-Star point guard is unlikely to save the team's disappointing season.

Through Monday's games, Memphis is 6-16 and 13th in the Western Conference, six games behind the Pelicans (13-11) for the final play-in tournament spot and 7.5 games behind the Lakers (14-9) for the final guaranteed playoff spot.

Morant, who was suspended for "conduct detrimental to the league" in June, could return Dec. 19 against the Pelicans, per ESPN.com. Morant is one of the league's best and most entertaining players, but the reasons for Memphis' struggles go well beyond his absence.

Rebounding is a major issue — the Grizzlies rank 25th in rebounds with 41.5 per game. This can be attributed to starting center Steven Adams missing the entire season following knee surgery.

Brandon Clarke is one of the league's best backup centers, but he has yet to play while rehabbing from an Achilles injury suffered in March.

In November, Memphis signed Bismack Biyombo to replace their two centers. He has played OK, averaging 5.9 points and 6.7 rebounds, but he is not a starting-caliber player.

In June, Memphis traded for Marcus Smart to ease the blow of Morant's suspension, but that deal has yet to pan out.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart is expected to miss multiple weeks with a left ankle injury, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Another tough absence for Grizzlies early this season. pic.twitter.com/VpnVXCFPmV
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 17, 2023

In November, a left ankle injury sidelined Smart, who struggled before his absence, averaging 12.5 points, five assists and a terrible 29.5% from three-point range in 11 games.

To get Smart from Boston in a three-team deal, Memphis traded reliable backup point guard Tyus Jones to the Wizards. Without Jones, Memphis has started Jacob Gilyard (3.4 PPG, 2.8 APG) and Derrick Rose (8.8 PPG, 3.4 APG) at point guard. Neither has shined.

Memphis clearly misses polarizing Dillon Brooks, who was highly criticized at the end of his six-year Grizzlies tenure. Memphis, however, had no interest in keeping him.

Despite his negative reputation, Brooks is one of the best wing defenders in the NBA and has played extremely well (13.3 PPG, 39.6% three-point shooting) for the Rockets.

It's not all bad news Memphis, though, as Desmond Bane has played at an All-Star level. One of the league's elite three-point shooters (career 42%), he is averaging 24.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists.

Desmond Bane COOKED all night and put up a new career high ‼️

49 PTS / 19-31 FGM / 4-8 3PM / 8 AST pic.twitter.com/zqM0hcPRIQ
— NBA (@NBA) December 7, 2023

2023 Defensive Player of the Year Award winner Jaren Jackson Jr. (20.8 PPG) has also played well. However, he has not been the game-changing shot blocker he was next to Adams last season. His blocked shots per game have dropped from three to 1.8, but he still does his best work on defense.

Morant's return will allow Bane and Jackson Jr. to return to their more comfortable second- and third-option roles, which should result in increased efficiency for both.

Morant (26.2 PPG, 8.1 APG in 2022-23) is good enough to get the Grizzlies back in play-in-tournament contention, and his jaw-dropping dunks and athleticism will make the Memphis incredibly entertaining.

A playoff run with this thin roster full of holes, however, isn't going to happen.

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