Ja Morant’s Turmoil Drags Grizzlies Down the Power Rankings
The Memphis Grizzlies are in a precarious position, staring down a difficult start to the season that has seen them tumble below the .500 mark. Following consecutive losses to the Los Angeles Lakers and Toronto Raptors, the team has dropped five spots in the latest NBA power rankings, now sitting at No. 21, a significant slip from their previous No. 16 ranking.
Issues Surface Early in the Season
Ja Morant, the team’s star guard, has been at the center of the storm. Just weeks into the new season, he has publicly expressed his frustration, not only with his own performance but also with the coaching staff. His lackluster effort has raised eyebrows, especially considering the expectations placed on him as the franchise player. Morant’s absence from the lineup during the recent loss to Toronto, due to a suspension, only compounded the Grizzlies’ woes. They have now lost three out of their last four games, prompting concerns about the cohesion and morale within the squad.
Performance Struggles Plague Stars
Morant’s frustrations are echoed in the struggles of fellow All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr., as both players have seen their minutes limited to an average of just over 28 per game. While this may seem manageable, it has raised questions about their overall effectiveness on the court. The Grizzlies’ offensive output has been dismal, with a scoring rate of only 102.1 points per 100 possessions during the 88 total minutes they’ve played together this season.
Morant’s individual stats tell a troubling story as well. His true shooting percentage stands at a career-low 51.5%, ranking him 40th out of 44 players with a usage rate of at least 25%. Compounding these issues is his abysmal shooting from beyond the arc; he has converted just 5 of 32 attempts from three-point range. These statistical struggles have raised alarms about his role and effectiveness moving forward, especially with key point guard options like Scotty Pippen Jr. and Ty Jerome unavailable.
Upcoming Challenges Ahead
The road ahead doesn’t get any easier for the Grizzlies. They will look to turn things around during an upcoming four-game home stand, facing off against the Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, and Oklahoma City Thunder. The first challenge kicks off tonight at 7 p.m. CT against Cade Cunningham and the Pistons.
As the Grizzlies navigate this turbulent period, the impact of Morant’s frustrations looms large. With his actions resonating throughout the team, there is growing concern about the potential for deeper issues if the situation does not improve. The stakes are high as Memphis seeks to regain its footing in a competitive Western Conference.
