The NBA handed Ja Morant a 25-game suspension in June because of his antics off the hardwood. The suspension has cost him approximately $7.5 million. However, Morant is on the verge of returning, as he has served 21 games out of his 25-game suspension. He has started to practice with the Memphis Grizzlies, in order to regain match fitness and sharpness.

However, before he makes his return, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has “formulated a plan” for Morant’s return. He also mentioned that he planned to have a conversation with Ja.

Adam Silver to schedule talks with Morant

Ja Morant will return to action on 19th December against the New Orleans Pelicans. The NBA suspended Morant because he displayed a firearm on Instagram. But, before Morant’s return, he is “required to formulate and fulfill a program with the league that directly addresses the circumstances that led him to repeat this destructive behavior.” 

The NBA, along with Ja, have laid out a carefully formulated plan for Morant’s assimilation back into the NBA. Before the In-Season tournament finals, Silver said, “We intend to have a check-in this week directly, Ja and I.” He added further, “To the best of my knowledge, he’s complied with everything he’s been asked to do. As I said, we’ll talk at least once this week before he comes back, and we will review the program and make sure the conditions are in place for him to be successful going forward.”

The checkpoints and protocols that Silver alluded to aren’t public knowledge, as of now. The return of Morant is a source of immense joy for the Grizzlies fanbase, who have suffered in Ja’s absence. Will Morant’s return turn their fortunes around?

Can Morant lead the Grizzlies to the playoffs?

The Memphis Grizzlies have severely missed Ja Morant this season. In the absence of their franchise cornerstone, Memphis has struggled to pick up wins. They currently occupy the 13th spot in the Western Conference standings, with 6 wins and 15 defeats. They have lacked offensive dynamism in Ja’s absence, and his return might lead to a resurgence in their performances.

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While looking at the underlying stats, the Grizzlies’ problems become clear. They have the 9th best defense in the league, with a defensive rating of 112.7. However, it is their offense that has let Memphis down. The Grizzlies have recorded an offensive rating of 106.8, which is the second worst in the division. With the offensive powerhouse that Ja is, one can expect a significant improvement in Memphis’ offense with his return.

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What are your thoughts on Ja Morant’s imminent comeback? Let us know in the comments.