Ja Morant: Pros and Cons of the Memphis Grizzlies' COVID Layoff

Ja Morant: Pros and Cons of the COVID Layoff

By AJ Salah | May 10, 2020

MIAMI, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 23: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies warms up prior to the game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on October 23, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Ja Morant’s stunning rookie season was abruptly put on hold. How does the indefinite COVID-19 layoff impact the Memphis Grizzlies’ young star?

Ja Morant – and the rest of the 2019 NBA Draft Class – hit the rookie wall unlike any before them.

Shelved by the COVID-19 outbreak, the Memphis Grizzlies’ stud rookie saw a historic campaign halted. Just as Zion Williamson was making both the Rookie of the Year and West Playoff hunts an intriguing late season storyline, everything went up in smoke.

At this point, we can probably assume the NBA’s regular season is over. Some hypothetical versions of a season reboot include a truncated playoffs, such that the Grizzlies may not be involved.

Thus, we might also have seen the last of Morant’s standout first season. And there’s no guarantee as to when he might take the court again. Such a layoff – barring injury – is largely foreign to an athlete. At a formative juncture in Morant’s career, it could be particularly crucial.

Join us at Beale Street Bears as we break down the pros and cons of the COVID layoff for Ja Morant; a budding NBA superstar suddenly paused.

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