Morant's Health: A key to Memphis' championship aspirations

Last season was a tough pill to swallow for the Memphis Grizzlies. With just 27 wins, they missed the playoffs for the first time in four years, ending their three-year streak of postseason appearances. No team in the NBA dealt with more missed games from key players than Memphis, with Ja Morant only appearing in nine games. The two-time All-Star's season was cut short by a shoulder injury right after serving a 25-game suspension. As the 2024-25 season approaches, Memphis is banking on a healthy roster to guide them back to the playoffs—but that's easier said than done.

Injuries will play a significant role in determining whether Memphis can bounce back. Jaren Jackson Jr., who played a team-high 66 games last year, and Desmond Bane, who only managed to play 42, are essential to the Grizzlies' success. Already, the team has faced a setback with GG Jackson undergoing surgery, but much of their hopes rest on Morant's ability to stay healthy.

Can Ja Morant stay on the floor?

The question of Morant's durability is critical. As Beale Street Bears' Tyler Watts points out , Morant's aggressive, fearless style of play is a double-edged sword—while it makes him a thrilling player to watch, it also increases the risk of injury. Morant has a history of injuries throughout his five-year career. He played 67 games in his rookie season but hasn't been able to top that mark since. He's played over 60 games in a season just thrice in his career.

"The Grizzlies need Morant, but how many games can they realistically expect him to play?" asks Watts. With his track record, it would be unrealistic for Memphis to expect more than 65 games from him this season, which leaves the team without their best player for at least 17 games.

And depth at point guard is a significant concern. Derrick Rose was brought in as a backup but hasn't played more than 50 games since 2019. Marcus Smart will also see time as a ball-handler, but he has only managed to appear in 200 games over the last four years. It's plausible to imagine a scenario where the Grizzlies find themselves without a healthy point guard.

Western Conference competition leaves no room for error

Memphis can't afford to have another season derailed by injuries. The Western Conference is as competitive as ever, with teams like the Thunder, Mavericks, Nuggets, Timberwolves, and Suns all gearing up for championship runs. Every game will matter, and if the Grizzlies can't rely on Morant to stay healthy, they might find themselves on the outside looking in for playoff contention.

Still, there's no denying Morant's impact when he's on the floor. He's one of the most electric players in the league, capable of dazzling fans with his high-flying dunks and impossible circus shots. When healthy, Morant gives the Grizzlies a legitimate chance to compete with the best in the West. The hope for Memphis is that this season is more about his highlight-reel plays than time spent on the injury report.

If the Grizzlies can avoid the bad luck they faced last year, there's every reason to believe they can return to the playoffs in 2025. But, as Watts cautions, "Availability is the most important skill." How many games Ja Morant plays this season will ultimately determine how far Memphis can go.

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