Former NBA champion doubts Ja Morant can turn around Grizzlies

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Former NBA champion casts doubt on Ja Morant's ability to turn around the Grizzlies' season

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 12/15/23

Ja Morant is days away from making his season debut. He has missed the opening months of the campaign serving a 25-game suspension for a May incident involving a firearm. The Grizzlies have stuttered to a 6-17 record without Morant in their rotation. A season-ending injury to veteran center Steven Adams has also helped derail the team's year.

Morant's return should bring some of the swagger back to the Grizzlies rotation. Yet, according to Kendrick Perkins, who was speaking on a recent episode of ESPN's "NBA Today," the explosive guard won't be able to help the team make the postseason.

"They're not making the playoffs," Perkins said. "Let's get that understood. They're not making the ... playoffs. But it's about getting their culture back. Getting butts into those seats. Getting ticket sales back up...I hope that he knows the value and what he meant to the organization and the effect that he's had on the organization. Not just from the fanbase point, but from his teammates."

"They're not making the damn playoffs, but ... it's about getting their culture back."@kendrickperkins on Ja Morant returning to play with the Grizzlies. pic.twitter.com/q8rQlVReiT
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 15, 2023

Morant will need some time to get back to his best. Regardless of how much work he has been putting in behind the scenes, players need NBA reps before they can begin performing at their peak levels. The Grizzlies need his electric offensive presence. They need the stardust he can sprinkle onto his teammates.

If Taylor Jenkins' team is going to have any chance of making the playoffs, Morant will be the one leading the way. When he's fit and healthy, Morant averages 22.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.4 assists, shooting 47.2% from the field and 32.1% from three-point range. Those types of numbers from your primary ball-handler can uplift an offense.

The Grizzlies have been dealing with injury issues all season, though. Morant's return will be a significant boost, but it won't solve their current struggles getting their core rotation on the court together. This is where Perkins' point makes sense. Rather than focusing on the playoffs, which are still months away, the Grizzlies would be better served focusing on captivating their fans and filling their arena. Once the city is behind the team, they can ride that momentum and look to make a push up the Western Conference standings.

Whether they make the postseason or not, Morant's return to the court is great news for the Grizzlies and it's great news for the NBA. He is one of the most exciting talents in the league and his presence will surely help bring the buzz back to Grind City.

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