Memphis Grizzlies Star Ja Morant Sidelined With Elbow Injury
The Memphis Grizzlies announced on Saturday that star Guard Ja Morant will miss at least three weeks with a UCL sprain in his left elbow. If you’re checking your calendar, you’ll notice that timeline pushes him right past the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline. It is a brutal blow for a season that has felt more like a disjointed series of unfortunate events than a cohesive basketball campaign.
Another Setback For Morant
To say Morant has had a rocky year would be the understatement of the century. Between suspensions to start the year and a nagging calf injury that cost him chunks of time, he has been limited to just 20 games. It has been a cameo appearance for one of the league’s most electric players.
The injury itself is almost poetic in its frustration. It didn’t happen on a routine jog up the court; it happened during a spectacular chase-down block against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday. Morant, doing what Morant does best, launched himself into the air to deny a layup, only to bang his elbow on the backboard. He finished the game, posting 23 points and 12 assists, but the adrenaline eventually wore off, revealing the damage.
It is the classic gift and curse of his playstyle. The same explosive athleticism that makes him a walking highlight reel puts his body in harm’s way. And right now, his body is waving the white flag.
Morant and the Trade Deadline Chatter
The timing of this diagnosis is significant. With the trade deadline looming, the rumor mill had been churning. There was speculation that Memphis might entertain offers, or that Morant himself might want a change of scenery.
This injury effectively puts those rumors on ice. It is hard to trade a franchise cornerstone when his arm is in a sling, and it’s even harder to get equal value for a player who has played less than 25% of the season’s games.
For his part, Morant tried to squash the trade talk before the injury news even broke. After dropping 24 points on the Magic in London, he pointed to the ink on his back. “I’ve got a logo on my back, so that should tell you exactly where I want to be,” he said. “If anybody in here knows me, I’m a very loyal guy.”
It seems he’s staying put, whether by choice or by circumstance. The question now is: what kind of team will he be returning to in late February?
Analyzing the Numbers: The “What If” Factor
When Morant is on the floor, the talent is undeniable, even if the rust is visible. He’s averaging 19.5 points and 8.1 assists this season. However, his shooting splits tell the story of a guy who can’t find a rhythm. He’s shooting a career-low 41% from the floor and a chilly 23.5% from deep.
It’s hard to blame him. NBA basketball is a rhythm game. You can’t simulate game speed in rehab. Just as he was starting to look like himself again, he is back on the shelf. The Grizzlies are currently sitting at 18-25. They aren’t out of the picture, but they are certainly drifting. They need their pilot, and right now, the pilot is grounded.
What’s Next For Memphis Without Morant?
The Grizzlies now face a familiar reality: trying to win by committee. The supporting cast has had plenty of practice playing without their superstar over the last two seasons, but there is only so much water you can tread before you drown.
They face the Denver Nuggets next, and the schedule doesn’t get much kinder after that. The front office now has to make some hard decisions. Do they make moves at the deadline to salvage the season, knowing their best player is out for a month? Or do they pack it in, protect their assets, and look toward next year?
For Morant, the next three weeks will be filled with treatment, rehab, and likely a lot of frustration. For the fans, it’s back to the waiting game. We know the sky is the limit for Morant, but he needs to stay on the court long enough to reach it.
