It’s no secret that the usual charismatic and electrifying Ja Morant has struggled this season.
A tough season for the high-flyer out of Memphis has led to plenty of criticism.
Not that his play has necessarily taken a nosedive, it hasn’t.
It’s that he has struggled to stay healthy and actually get on the court.
Morant has missed 24 games (and counting) so far for the 38-24 Memphis Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies are currently fourth in the Western Conference but have been sliding, and are just 3-8 since the NBA trade deadline.
An Wednesday night, after a 120-103 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a game in which Morant played in, he about how he shouldn’t have even been on the court to begin with.
When asked how it felt being back after missing the last few games, the star point guard was candid in his response.
“Terrible,” Morant said. “I should’ve been out, but I was out there.
“Regardless, if I’m out or in, there’s going to be something said.”
When asked about the shoulder that has caused him to miss the most time, Morant said there isn’t much he can do.
“I probably wouldn’t have played but I did,” added said. “I’ve played like this all season honestly, but it is what it is, got to get the win.”
NBA fans had little sympathy on social media.
“Nah there’s no excuses he’s washed,” one wrote on X.
“Yall are so corny. Ja Morant is fine. He’s making excuses why he’s playing bad to use as an excuse for injuries,” added another.
Morant has hardly been his usual self.
It’s clear the last two years, full of controversy, suspensions and season-ending injuries have taken a toll on the 25-year-old star.
There is still time to course correct as the Grizzlies remain in great shape to make the postseason.
But if they want to advance and make some serious noise, they will need Morant to be Morant.
It unfortunately sounds like the shoulder injury will be something that he has to deal with for the rest of the season and find a way to play through it.
In the 38 games that Morant has featured in, he has averaged 20.9 points, 7.4 assists and 4.1 rebounds.
Good numbers. But not the numbers that Morant has been putting up in prior seasons.
The type of numbers that made him All-NBA.
If the Grizzlies want to make a serious run in the postseason, that’s the Morant who is going to have to show up.
