The Memphis Grizzlies might have to kick off their season with their star, Ja Morant. As per the latest report, the young Grizzlies star picked up an ankle injury on Sunday. Grizzles news beat reporter for The Commercial Appeal, Damichael Cole, said that Morant suffered the injury during practice.
The Grizzlies' star is considered "week-to-week" in his return timeline, which means that he will be out for the Grizzlies' preseason opener on October 6 against the Detroit Pistons. Moreover, the Grizzlies are set to open their regular season in just two weeks. They will face the New Orleans Pelicans on October 22.
Since he was drafted in 2019, Ja Morant has never been fully available through six seasons. He has missed 105 of 164 regular season games in the last two seasons alone. He missed the first 25 matches of the 2023-24 season due to a gun incident suspension.
When he made a return after 9 games, he was ruled out for the season. The Grizzlies reported that Morant was supposed to undergo shoulder surgery. In the next season, Morant appeared in just 50 games. He missed several games dur to injury, including 10 games after he attempted a dangerous dunk.
There is little to no doubt that Ja Morant is the face of the Memphis Grizzlies. However, as per his history with injuries, he might disappoint a lot of fans. Moreover, in the last three seasons, the Grizzlies have missed the playoffs once, and twice they have moved beyond the first round.
Scotty Pippen Jr. responds on Grizzlies losing Desmond Bane and Luke Kennard
The Memphis Grizzlies took a hit this offseason when they lost two crucial guards, Desmond Bane and Luke Kennard. But instead of giving up morale, players can see it as a chance to prove their worth.
Scotty Pippen Jr. is one of those players to use that as motivation. He is embracing the chance to grow as both a scorer and a facilitator, determined not to let the team feel Bane's absence.
"Obviously losing those two guys hurt, but there's more room for everyone else to step up,” Pippen Jr. said.
“And that's what I've been doing. Working on my game, working on me being a playmaker as well as a creator. Because I know that Desmond Bane is gone. I know that I believe I can step into that kind of role."
Scotty Pippen Jr, is excited to make a strong impression in his preseason opener against the Pistons. It is a matchup he has always enjoyed, averaging 12.5 points, 4.3 and 4.0 rebounds in four career games against them across his career.