Why 2024-25 is most important season of Ja Morant's career

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant was limited to just nine games in the 2023-24 season due to off-court issues and injury.

According to reports and a cryptic tweet from the troubled star, he can now begin preparations for the upcoming NBA season, the most important of his career.

Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal reported that Morant's tweet was regarding the news that he had been cleared for basketball activities.

"Morant has been fully cleared for all basketball activities," Cole wrote. "The 6-foot-3 point guard suffered a labral tear in his right shoulder last season and needed surgery in January. After serving his 25-game NBA suspension to start the season, he played in just nine games before the injury shut him down."

Although he's dealt with off-court issues, Morant's production has been consistently good, averaging 22.5 points and 7.4 assists per game throughout his career. Without the guard, Memphis struggled with a 27-55 record and missed the playoffs.

Looking to 2024-25, Marcus Smart, Desmond Bane and Brandon Clarke will likely be healthy to start the season after dealing with injuries of their own in 2023-24. Memphis also selected Purdue center Zach Edey ninth overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, and the rookie will look to make an impact in his debut season.

Morant needs to redeem himself this upcoming season. Due to his off-court issues, his energetic and explosive play has been forgotten. If Morant can stay healthy and stay out of trouble, he can still have an impressive NBA career and become a top player. Furthermore, he can regain his status as a fan favorite.

If Morant can let his ability on the court do the talking, the Grizzlies have a chance to be a sleeper contender to make a run in the playoffs next season.

But if Morant can't return to form, he could become yet another "what if" case in the NBA. The Grizzlies will also be left wondering why they signed the guard to a five-year contract worth $197.2 million. The centerpiece of the organization's hopes of becoming a top team in the Western Conference will have not repaid the faith that the Grizzlies had in him.

The 2024-25 season will be Morant's most important of his career so far. He will either show that he can be a top player once again or that the Grizzlies were wrong to build their future around him.