Cold hard Ja Morant truth Grizzlies fans must accept

The Memphis Grizzlies and Ja Morant have experienced both success and turbulence since his 2019 draft. While initially fruitful, the last three seasons became challenging as Morant transitioned from a young player to a team leader amid the franchise's title aspirations. Roster decisions by GM Zach Kleiman accelerated Morant's need to mature prematurely, compounded by recurring injuries.

Morant acknowledged that his aggressive, high-flying offensive style contributed to his physical setbacks, vowing to reduce dunking after a hip injury. Additional injuries stemmed from an illegal screen by Daniel Theis that affected him for much of the season. Crucially, two major injuries occurred during alley-oop attempts: one in November against the Lakers (causing an 8-game absence) and another in the playoff loss to Oklahoma City, which ended his season.

The Grizzlies' championship hopes hinge on Morant's health, highlighted by the team winning only 27 games when he played just nine contests in 2023-24. By contrast, the previous season saw Memphis win 48 games despite his 30-game absence, remaining competitive in the Western Conference. With Desmond Bane traded, increased responsibility now falls on Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.

Morant has never exceeded 67 games in a regular season (achieved in his 2019-20 rookie year). To qualify for All-NBA honors and postseason awards—and bolster the team's contention chances—he must play at least 65 games next season, emphasizing durability as a critical factor for Memphis' future success.