After only nine games into his anticipated return, Ja Morant will hang his sneakers for the 2023-24 season. The abrupt halt to the superstar’s season comes after the Memphis Grizzlies announced that he will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery. The Grizzlies shared that Morant experienced a subluxation of his right shoulder during a recent training session. Following the soreness and instability, an MRI revealed an underlying labral tear.

Morant’s unfortunate injury news adds a significant twist to the Grizzlies’ season, which began under-manned. As the Memphis Grizzlies lose Ja Morant less than 10 games into his return, the team will now have to control the damage on the season.

The Memphis Grizzlies might still save their season

Even though replacing a star like Morant is impossible in the league, there are other measures that the Grizzlies can take to at least fill up the vacant spot. Since Ja will not be returning for the season, the Grizzlies can get leeway of $12.4 million through Disabled Player Exception. However, there is a catch. They must file for the exception before January 15 to get the benefits.

Apart from Ja Morant’s DPE, the Grizzlies will have $6.3 million from the same category due to Steven Adam’s injury. As the trade season has already begun, and scouting is at its peak, the Grizzlies can benefit from the additional monetary bandwidth.

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Ja Morant made a strong comeback from his suspension on December 23. He played 9 games for his team, averaging nearly 25 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 8.1 assists. The Grizzlies strongly benefited from his touch on the floor as he averaged shooting splits of 47.1/27.5/81.3. With Morant, the Grizzlies are 6-3, whereas without him, they are a dismal 7-20.

What is a Labrum Tear? Expert’s Opinion on Ja Morant’s Season Ending Shoulder Subluxation

As Ja Morant exits, will the Grizzlies turn to the 2024 drafts?

Memphis has been struggling throughout the 2023-24 season. Initially due to Ja’s suspension, and now is projected of the same due to his injury. They are currently sitting 10 games below .500. With little to no room in their monetary flow, will they shift their focus on the 2024 NBA Draft with hopes of Ja’s return?

If they do, they will fortunately have control over their pick in the lot. Even though the coming draft has not yet been seen as generational, the franchise can strategize around Ja and add pieces with a win-now mentality. Ja’s addition bought hopes of making a playoff push. His absence has shattered almost all of their dreams from the season.

However, the situation can open doors for the franchise to secure a higher draft pick than they would have not otherwise. From there, the team can either grow the pick within their culture or trade for another talent.

Whatever the case may be, Ja’s injury has certainly altered the franchise’s strategy on the season. Even though the Grizzlies would love to win games, they are now forced to pre-plan their future, especially for the long run.

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