Ja Morant Shoulder Injury and Analysis

The Grizzlies announced Monday night Ja Morant, the 24-year-old star point guard has a season-ending shoulder injury. 

The announcement noted Morant suffered a subluxation of his right shoulder at training on Saturday. 

The MRI confirmed an underlying labral tear meaning Morant will undergo season-ending surgery.

Morant, who missed the first 25 games of the season due to a suspension due to multiple instances in which he showed off a firearm on social media, only returned to action this season on Dec. 19. 

He played in nine games, his stats prior to the injury displayed his prowess, averaging 25.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 8.1 assists, 1.6 three-pointers, 0.8 steals and 0.6 blocks in 35.3 minutes per game.

When will Ja Morant return from shoulder surgery?

The team along with the doctors at Sports Injury Central expect a full recovery for Morant ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season.

In 2022 Morant signed a five-year, $193 million rookie extension to remain with the Grizzlies. 

Impact on the Grizzlies

With Morant sidelined, the Grizzlies face a significant gap in their lineup similar to during his suspension. The team will likely move Marcus Smart to point guard, and Desmond Bane will also see more opportunities. The Grizzlies enter their Tuesday night game against the Mavericks with a 13-23 record, which puts them at 13th place, 5 wins outside of the Play-In Tournament.

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