Ja Morant Medically Cleared To Resume All Basketball Activities
On Tuesday, per Damichael Cole of Memphis Commercial Appeal, Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (shoulder) was medically cleared for all basketball activities after surgery to repair a labral tear in his right shoulder. After serving a 25-game NBA suspension at the start of last season, the 24-year-old only suited up for nine contests before the injury sidelined him for the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign. If Morant can stay injury-free in 2024-25, he has top-10 fantasy potential across all formats.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (shoulder) is expected to resume basketball activities in the next two weeks. "I hate being around basketball and not being able to play," said Morant at his youth basketball camp. "I don't got too much longer. I can wait to make sure I'm able to play and be cleared when the season comes." The 24-year-old began the 2023-24 campaign, serving a 25-game suspension. He eventually returned, although he suffered a torn labrum that resulted in surgery after appearing in nine contests. But if Morant can stay out of trouble and remain healthy in 2024-25, he has top-10 fantasy potential in all formats.
According to Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins, guard Ja Morant (shoulder) is progressing in rehab from a torn labrum suffered back in January. "Everything is going well," said Jenkins while speaking to the media at an event. "He's going to be pretty close to full go on the court." The multi-time All-Star began last season serving a 25-game suspension before averaging 25.1 points and 8.1 assists in nine appearances. Unfortunately, he sustained a torn labrum and had to undergo season-ending surgery. Without a doubt, Morant is one of the best players in the National Basketball Association. However, he's had issues staying healthy over the years while being involved in several off-the-court incidents. But he's an excellent bounce-back candidate for 2024-25, although category participants haven't appreciated his career 31.8% shooting from deep.
Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant (shoulder) is on schedule with his recovery and is expected to be cleared for basketball activities halfway through the offseason. The Grizzlies star had his 2023-24 campaign limited to only nine games after he underwent surgery on his right shoulder in January. Despite missing the first 25 games of the season with a suspension, Morant was on fire right away when he returned to the court, posting 25.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 8.1 assists. Hopefully, Morant doesn't suffer any setbacks over the summer, and we can finally enjoy his talents over the course of a full season. Various issues have resulted in Morant playing in only 190 regular-season the past four years.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (shoulder) will undergo season-ending surgery. The 24-year-old suffered a subluxation of his right shoulder on Saturday. After experiencing soreness, he underwent an MRI. Unfortunately, the results weren't good, with the MRI revealing a labral tear in Morant's shoulder. It's a tough blow for Morant, who returned to the court in December after serving a 25-game suspension. In nine appearances this season, he averaged 25.1 points, 8.1 assists, and 5.8 rebounds. The Grizzlies struggled without the 2019 No. 2 overall pick, although the team was 6-3 when he was on the floor. Nevertheless, with Morant out of the equation, Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart, and Jaren Jackson Jr. should get more scoring opportunities. Additionally, guys like Luke Kennard, Jacob Gilyard, Santi Aldama, Vince Williams Jr., and Derrick Rose (thigh) are worth monitoring in deeper fantasy leagues.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (shoulder) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Dallas Mavericks. Morant sat out of Sunday's game as well due to right shoulder soreness. His absence allowed Luke Kennard to move into the starting five. However, Vince Williams Jr. was the better fantasy option between the two. Williams scored 19 points with nine rebounds and two blocks in 37 minutes. He figures to have a similar role on Tuesday, which should make him worth a look in fantasy leagues.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Morant is dealing with right shoulder soreness, but has only missed one game since he returned from his suspension. Vince Williams Jr. (foot) started in that one game Morant missed, but he's also questionable for Sunday. That means, Ziaire Williams and Luke Kennard would see bigger roles if both players are forced to sit out. Fantasy managers will have to check back closer to tip-off for another update.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (illness) has been ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the Denver Nuggets. Morant was questionable coming into this game, but will ultimately sit out due to an illness. The expectation is that Marcus Smart will move over to the point guard spot, while Desmond Bane shifts to shooting guard. Vince Williams Jr. and Ziaire Williams are the two favorites to move into the starting five with Morant sidelined. Neither of them are great streaming options as Smart and Bane are the better DFS options or streaming choices for Thursday's slate.
Ja Morant Permitted To Travel, Practice During Suspension
According to ESPN's Tim MacMahon, Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant can travel and practice with the team while serving his 25-game suspension. The 24-year-old was observed displaying a handgun during an Instagram video back in May, resulting in the league taking action. Morant, undoubtedly one of the most talented players in the National Basketball Association, will still draw interest from fantasy managers, even with the suspension. Considering he's permitted to practice and travel, it shouldn't take him long to return to All-Star form once he's allowed to take the floor in a few months.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Grizzlies guard Ja Morant will meet with the NBPA to discuss the possibility of appealing his 25-game suspension. The Player's Association released a statement criticizing the league's "unstated conditions" that Morant must meet before he can return. But considering this is the second offense for the 23-year-old, an appeal may not do any good. That said, while Morant is one of the best players in the league, he has a way to go before earning the trust of fantasy managers heading into the 2023-24 campaign, with his stock unlikely to change even with a reduced suspension.
