Ja Morant's injury nothing new for resilient Grizzlies

Morant was hit in midair by Christian Koloko of the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday while trying to catch a lob. He suffered a "posterior hip subluxation," which means that the ball joint of Morant's hip went partially out of its socket, though without a dislocation. He also strained multiple pelvic muscles. The result is that Morant will be evaluated on a "week-to-week" basis, likely until the team can determine the extent of his injuries and time needed for healing.

It's another blow for the Grizzlies, who have had to weather the absences of a number of key players this season. Desmond Bane has missed six games and is week-to-week with an oblique injury. Fellow starter Marcus Smart has also missed six games. He's out with an ankle injury. Reserves GG Jackson II and Vince Williams Jr. still haven't played.

Somehow, the Grizzlies are still 7-4. They held on to beat the Lakers without Morant, then blew out the Washington Wizards and Portland Trail Blazers this weekend by a combined 69 points. It's a testament to the Grizzlies' development program and the team's resilience.

On Sunday, the Grizzlies started Jaylen Wells, the No. 39 pick in this year's draft, along with undrafted Scotty Pippen Jr. and the No. 30 pick in the 2021 draft, Santi Aldama. Their rotation included Jay Huff, an undrafted center Memphis originally signed on a two-way deal, and John Konchar, an undrafted guard who played for a college that split during his career. They're even getting minutes from 5-foot-8 Japanese guard Yuki Kawamura, who may be more than a novelty.

The Grizzlies simply have a next-man-up attitude when missing theor stars, as evidenced by the team going 20-5 without Morant in 2021-22. The organization and coaching staff have an eye for talent, getting double-digit scoring from Pippen and Huff, two players discarded by the Los Angeles Lakers. The common thread in these unheralded players is that they can defend. Playing patched-together lineups, the Grizzlies have managed to field the NBA's No. 5 defense (based on defensive rating) so far.

The team also rewards its unexpected success stories. Konchar, Pippen, Huff and Wells are all on long-term, team-friendly contracts that nonetheless delivered life-changing money to these players. That not only makes the deep rotation affordable while expensive stars are out, but it also ensures the team has a tremendous amount of continuity in the Grizzlies system.

Morant's injury is very worrisome. Just don't expect it to faze the Grizzlies who are out there playing and winning.