Ja Morant Ignites Grizzlies with Playmaking Resurgence Amid Injury Recovery
The Memphis Grizzlies are experiencing a notable shift in momentum, and much of that can be attributed to their star point guard, Ja Morant. Although the season has posed challenges, including a calf strain that has sidelined him, Morant’s return could be the spark the team needs to elevate their performance as they embark on their best stretch of the year.
The Impact of Morant’s Absence
As Morant recuperates, questions swirl about what the Grizzlies could achieve without him. Yet, a more pressing query looms: how much would they truly miss his presence? Despite a lackluster season by Morant’s standards, where he has struggled to fully engage, his playmaking ability remains unmatched. He is generating an impressive 8.2 clean looks per game for his teammates beyond the arc, leading the league in this statistic. Comparatively, this figure surpasses those of notable players like Luka Dončić (7.5), Anthony Edwards (5.5), and Trae Young (6.4).
Vince Williams Jr. follows closely behind, averaging 5.9 looks for teammates, producing a commendable 40.6 percent shooting from those opportunities. The ability to create space for shooters is a valuable asset, and players like Cedric Coward, Santi Aldama, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope stand to benefit significantly from Morant’s playmaking prowess.
Offensive Dynamics in Morant’s Absence
Interestingly, the Grizzlies have demonstrated resilience during Morant’s time off, averaging the third-most passes per game (332.5) over eight consecutive nights without him. This ball movement highlights a growing chemistry within the team, but the return of Morant could amplify their offensive capabilities further. His potential to penetrate defenses and create opportunities would add a new layer to an already fast-paced offense.
Morant’s ability to connect with big men like Zach Edey, who thrives on well-timed entry passes, could enhance the effectiveness of two-man actions. Edey’s capacity to draw attention in the paint means that Morant could exploit defenses through dynamic give-and-go plays, making the duo a formidable combination.
Addressing Criticism and Future Prospects
As whispers from anonymous executives question Morant’s value, it’s crucial to remember the lessons from the past. The Golden State Warriors’ decision to bench Tim Hardaway serves as a reminder that players can still possess significant talent even when sidelined. The risk of trading Morant without receiving fair value could backfire, much like the Warriors’ experience when they lost Chris Gatling to free agency shortly after a trade.
In contrast, Morant’s unique skills elevate the Grizzlies’ ceiling. While they may not yet be championship-ready, they are far more capable than the squad that faced a stark 32-point defeat against the Miami Heat or the one that stumbled to a 4-11 record earlier in the season. Currently, they find themselves 4.5 games out of the sixth seed, a position that would allow them to bypass the Play-In Tournament—a crucial step if they harbor ambitions for a deeper playoff run in April.
With Morant poised to return, the Grizzlies may very well be on the verge of a resurgence, and his playmaking could provide the necessary boost to help them achieve their goals.
