The Memphis Grizzlies are once again without their star player, Ja Morant. And it’s not his fault. A Saturday practice session left him with a torn labrum in his right shoulder, effectively closing the lid on any hopes. Playing for just nine games after serving his 25-game suspension, Morant led his team to six victories. The Grizzlies were just getting warmed up after a long hibernation.

And now, it looks like they might be due for another one. But Ja is not about to let that happen on his watch. Talking to reporters in the Grizzlies morning meeting, his teammate, Desmond Bane, relays a message from Ja Morant to the team. “Stay locked in and keep grinding.”

While MacMahon’s previous update says that the Grizzlies are “gutted” by the news, yesterday’s posts by Ja Morant on X show that he was equally, if not more, disappointed and sad. In all his time apart, what we have seen is growth – personal and professional. While his actions off-court might have shown his age, not once has he disappointed as a player.

Memphis is on a two-game winning streak now. The previous matchup against the Suns resulted in a 121-115 win for a Morant-less team. And tonight, they are going head to head against their conference rival, the 6th-seeded Mavericks. With Ja’s arrival, the franchise’s playoff aspirations had also bloomed. Not completely out of the race yet, if the ‘Volunteer State’ can continue the momentum, they might as well get a place in playoffs.

It seems like they can do that and more if the management moves fast.

The Grizzlies can look to replace Ja Morant with a $12.4 million leeway

Memphis has less than six days to fill the vacant spot left by Morant for this season. With a Disabled Player Extension available on Ja’s injury, the Grizzlies can apply for $12.4 million (plus 100k), if they file for it before January 15th.

Season-Ending Injury Draws Sympathy for Ja Morant From Biggest Critic Skip Bayless: “What Goes Up Must Come Down”

This can be looked at, at best, as damage control. While it’s near impossible to replace the exceptionally talented, powerhouse that Ja Morant is, the team will have something to fall back on, in a worst-case scenario. With Derrick Rose still recovering from a hamstring strain, Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart will have to carry the major responsibility.

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God forbid they are hit with another injury! With Steven Adam‘s DPE worth $6.3 million already in their hand and scouting happening in full swing before the trade deadline, the Memphis Grizzlies should be able to find someone with the financial bandwidth it affords.

Watch This Story: LeBron James Pens Heartfelt Welcome Message to Ja Morant Upon NBA Return