Let's not get it twisted, despite all the drama and rumors swirling around Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies, they are better working it out. All signs point to both sides working on coming to a common ground to right the ship that has sailed the wrong way over the last week. With Morant back in the lineup, it's time to talk about what needs to improve on the court from both parties.
The Grizzlies need to clarify their playing rotation and minutes distribution for their stars, as no player is playing more than the 29.4 minutes Morant plays per game. He played 35 minutes in his return from a one-game suspension, so coach Tuomas Iisalo seems to at least entertain more playing time. In fact, four players played 30-plus minutes in their recent loss against the Detroit Pistons.
If the extended playing time remains for Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Cedric Coward, the Grizzlies need Morant to provide more value in one of their weakest areas. That area is lacking with nearly everyone else on the roster.
Grizzlies need Morant's offensive rim pressure
Memphis ranks 4th in the NBA in assist percentage and 8th in assist-to-turnover ratio, meaning they are moving the ball and generating good looks. Unfortunately, they rank 25th in offensive rating and 24th in eFG%. While including more isolation for Jaren Jackson Jr. could also solve their shooting woes, they desperately need Morant to take them over the top.
He has struggled mightily in his last two games, shooting a combined 8-30 for 26 points, leading to the offense becoming stagnant while others struggle with their shots as well. One of Morant's biggest issues during this period is his 0-10 shooting from threes, with most of his attempts feeling like shots he's settling for.
The lack of effort that people who watched him against the Lakers felt they saw stemmed from his settling for six attempts from three. He is at his best attacking downhill, and nearly the only player on the Grizzlies roster with the ability to generate points in that regard. Getting him locked back into that player is a must if the Grizzlies want to turn around their recent slump.
Frustrations have been apparent from all parties amid a three-game losing streak. However, that is typical with 74 games remaining in the regular season. During his postgame interview that led to the suspension, Ja Morant mentioned that he was fine when asked if he was injured. Ja Morant's ability to apply pressure at the rim is among the best in the NBA, and both he and the Grizzlies need him to return to that mode on the offensive end of the court to offset their struggles.