SUMMARY
- Ja Morant has been diagnosed with a labral tear in his right shoulder.
- The All-Star will miss he remainder of the season following surgery.
Nobody expected Ja Morant to experience another hurdle during the 2023-24 season. The All-Star point guard has already been dealing with an early season setback after missing out on 25 games. The suspension was given shortly after the 2023 NBA Playoffs concluded, based on a controversial incident that took place. Morant was seen flashing a firearm on social media for the second time. It led to severe scrutiny and criticism.
The Memphis Grizzlies had a horrible start without him this season. Before his return, the team went on a 5-17 run with players like Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. taking charge. However, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year has not been playing too well lately. Things were so bad that the Grizzlies were completely excluded from In-Tournament talks as well.
Unfortunately, Ja Morant has been hit with another setback. During a recent practice, the point guard tore his labrum. The Grizzlies sidelined him against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday after he suffered a subluxation in his right arm. With further MRIs and tests, the Grizzlies’ medical team claimed that he had a labral tear that needed surgery to repair. Morant will miss the remainder of the season.
Ja Morant sends a message following the season-ending announcement
Ja Morant sent out a message on social media shortly after the Grizzlies announced his season-ending injury. The 24-year-old posted a blue heart emoji on X, perhaps to thank his fans for the endless support he has been showered with. Unfortunately, there is no video available of the exact moment he injured himself. It could have happened at any point in time for all we know.
💙
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) January 9, 2024
But this injury is going to be detrimental to the Grizzlies as they were trying to make a last-minute push higher up the Western Conference chart. Right now, the Grizzlies are 13th in the Western Conference with a record of 13 wins and 23 losses. They went on a 7-4 run after Morant made his return to the court on December 19, 2023, against the New Orleans Pelicans. Ja had an insane game-winner against NOLA as well.
JA MORANT GAME WINNER IN HIS RETURN 🔥 pic.twitter.com/WV9cDWxvWc
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 20, 2023
The Grizzlies have already been suffering without players like Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke on the roster due to injuries. Both players are set to miss this season as well. Ja Morant is currently on his first season of the five-year $197 contract extension he signed earlier. He averaged 25.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game. Morant is set to make a full-fledged return during the 2024-25 season.