It was just a short time ago when Ja Morant was considered to be the NBA’s next great superstar. As the face of the franchise for the Memphis Grizzlies, Morant was expected to lead them to the promised land at some point in his career.
The last two seasons have been rough for Morant. He has barely seen the court due to injury or suspension. Even in the games that he has played in, he has not looked like the same player. The high-flying guard has had his wings clipped.
With all of Morant’s struggles, the emerging young players in Memphis, and their stacked draft capital thanks to the Desmond Bane trade, the Grizzlies’ decision when it comes to Morant is coming into focus.
Memphis should cut ties with Ja Morant and start over
When the Grizzlies hired Tumoas Lisalo to be their head coach, the expectation was that he would be able to unlock Morant in his free-flowing offensive system. It has been the opposite thus far in Memphis.
The results for Morant on the court this season have been nothing short of a disaster. He is averaging 18 points per game and eight assists, with the PPG being the lowest since his rookie season.
He is also shooting 36 percent from the field, 18 percent from three-point range, and four turnovers per game. His true-shooting percentage is at 48 percent, which is the lowest of his career by far. He has been one of the least efficient guards in the league.
At the team level, the Grizzlies are suffering as well, and they are statistically one of the worst teams in the NBA with Morant on the floor. They have a -6.5 net rating and a 109.3 offensive rating in his minutes. That offensive rating would be bottom five in the NBA.
Memphis needs to get value for Morant while they still can
The Grizzlies did the right thing when they traded Bane away. His ability as a player was never in question, but the Magic gave them an offer they couldn’t refuse. They are now armed with four additional future first-rounders.
Memphis also has emerging young players in Cedric Coward, Jaylen Wells, Zach Edey, Vince Williams, and Scotty Pippen Jr. Jaren Jackson Jr. just recently signed an extension, leaving the Grizzlies with a solidified young core.
Morant is not worth the drama he has come with. From his suspensions to now clashing with Iisalo, the Grizzlies should cut ties with the point guard and get assets while they still can.