It may not be prudent for the Memphis Grizzlies to expect Ja Morant to stabilize their season when he returns.
Roughly 20 percent into an NBA regular season, you can generally get a strong grip on what a team is and isn't. That's pretty much where we are during the 2023-24 campaign. And if that's the case, it doesn't bode well for the immediate future of the Memphis Grizzlies. Through the first 16 games of the season, the Grizzlies are 3-13.
With their back against the wall heading into the start of the season, due to a Ja Morant 25-game suspension and a myriad of injuries, the Grizzlies faltered to the highest degree. Memphis is one of the worst teams in the league and even though Morant's return is on the horizon, there's little to no hope that things will turn around all that much with him back.
Ja Morant is expected to return from suspension soon
Morant's first eligible game to return from suspension is December 23 against the Atlanta Hawks. It marks the first contest of a four-game road trip for the Grizzlies. It's safe to assume that we'll see Morant at some point on that trip. Whether that happens against the Hawks remains to be seen.
There could theoretically be a ramp-up process that takes place but if I had to guess, based on how the Grizzlies have played without Morant this season, I'd imagine they'd want to see him on the floor sooner rather than later.
Of course, even with the impending return of Morant, there's still a chance he may not be able to save the Grizzlies. In fact, I'd bet against his ability to do so (but that says more about the Grizzlies than Morant). Let's explore three reasons why saving the Grizzlies may even be too much for Morant.