The Memphis Grizzlies have shown promise in the playoffs but have struggled to make a deep impact. After giving the eventual 2022 NBA champions, the Golden State Warriors, a valiant fight, expectations were high, but the team has since underachieved. In 2023, they fell to the Lakers in the first round, and in 2025, the OKC Thunder outsmarted them. While the Western Conference is stacked with contenders, Memphis’ real challenge has been injuries. As the 2025-26 season begins, the Grizzlies will once again face setbacks with superstar Ja Morant sidelined.

According to a recent report by Memphis Grizzlies reporter, Damichael Cole, Ja Morant has suffered a left ankle sprain and is considered week-to-week. Per the report, he suffered the injury during the team’s training on October 5. Owing to the injury, he has already been ruled out of the Grizzlies’ preseason game against the Detroit Pistons. Although it is not yet confirmed, his status for the Memphis Grizzlies’ season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans is in big doubt.

Also, this ankle injury is not the first major injury suffered by Ja Morant. Last season, he missed 32 games due to a variety of ailments (hip, ankle, and hamstring injuries). This, combined with a 25-game suspension-clad 2023-24 season, has filled the Memphis Grizzlies fans with a sentiment of ‘what could’ve been.’ Before the start of the 2025-26 season, there were a lot of hopes from the team, but as things stand, they need to wait to watch their complete roster in action.

The injury bothers the Grizzlies camp because, after trading Desmond Bane in the offseason, the roster for the 2025-26 NBA season was built around Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. But as fate would have it, both superstars are injured and in danger of missing the start of the campaign. Jaren Jackson Jr. underwent toe surgery on July 2 and was expected to be back for the start of the season.

However, Jaren’s recovery has taken longer than expected. According to the latest update about him, the Grizzlies announced on September 26 that he is expected to return to play in 4-6 weeks. Worst-case scenario, without another injury, he might suit up for his first game against the Boston Celtics (on 12th November) or the Knicks (on 11th).

The team is already going to be without Zach Edey, Jaren Jackson Jr, and Brandon Clarke for the start of the season. If Ja is also unable to suit up, the job of handling the ball might fall on free agent addition, Ty Jerome.

Who can step up for the Grizzlies in Ja Morant’s absence?

Facing the prospect of starting the season without two All-Stars in Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., the Memphis Grizzlies will put a lot of trust in their young core and free agent signings. In his absence, Ty Jerome will be in charge of handling the ball. Once considered a bust and on the verge of being out of the league, Jerome’s last season took everybody by storm. In 70 appearances last year, Ty averaged 12.5 points and 3.4 assists per game for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Although to be the primary ball handler, Jerome will have to improve his assist-to-turnover ratio. Similarly, the scoring load will mainly be carried by veteran forward Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Santi Aldama, and Scotty Pippen Jr. Usually famous for his tenacious defense, KCP is a very capable scorer and averages 11.2 points per game throughout his career.

Similarly, while Santi Aldama’s numbers may not scream a lot, he averaged 12.5 points per game last season, and the Grizzlies will expect him to take a further step up in his game. Coming to Scotty Pippen Jr., he is also considered a very strong defender. However, like KCP, he does possess a scoring punch.

As of now, Pippen Jr.’s career average is 10 points per game. However, in postseason games, he increases his output to 18.3 points per game. This shows his capabilities to lead the team in scoring as well. If the Grizzlies are to have a good start to the season, the role players need to step up.

With Ja Morant’s injury history, his timeline can extend the current expectation. If such a scenario comes to be, the Grizzlies need to start strong and give him as much time as possible to come back after making a full recovery.