4 Biggest Consequences Ja Morant Suspension has on the Memphis Grizzlies

3) Heightened offensive load on Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr.

Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane have a 26-10 regular-season record without Ja Morant on the floor the last two seasons. Jackson Jr. averages 20.0 points per game in those contests, with Bane just a hair behind at 19.9 per game. Both of those guys possess All-Star talent – Jackson Jr. of course already achieved All-Star status in 2023, mainly for his defensive prowess – but this will be the longest stretch of their careers where they have to be the primary offensive creators.

I already noted how Bane will likely take on more point-guard duties during Morant’s suspension. He showed promising signs as a playmaker last season, bumping his assists average from 2.7 per game in 2021-22 to 4.4 per game in 2022-23. In fact, his 20.2% assist percentage ranked sixth among all wings, per Cleaning the Glass. If he maintains that same rate as a primary ball-handler, the Memphis offense can keep humming without its Morant-powered engine.

Jackson Jr. flashed his elite scoring potential during Morant’s first suspension when he averaged 28 points per game over a four-game span. His passing must improve – he ranked near the bottom of the league in assists per usage – but while Bane will take on more playmaking duties without Morant, it will be up to Jackson Jr. to be the everyday top scorer until his All-Star teammate returns.

How well the other two members of Memphis’ emerging Big 3 perform during Morant’s suspension will have ramifications beyond just next season. It could prove that this trio is championship-level already. Or if the Grizzlies struggle severely, it could hint that Memphis needs to keep star-hunting.