The 'biggest offseason question' for Grizzlies people seem to be ignoring

For a large portion of the fanbase, 2023-24 is being viewed as a gap season for the Memphis Grizzlies.

Being the main reason for their lackluster 27-55 record and 13 seed finish on the year was due to injuries and, in turn, out of their control, it's reletively fair to declare the campaign as such.

Of course, for it to live up to this kind of moniker, 2024-25 will need to find a similar level of success to that of their run from two years ago when they rattled off 51 wins, clinched their second consecutive Southwest Division title, and headed into the playoffs as the second seed in the Western Conference.

Though the odds are certainly more in their favor of doing so with Ja Morant finally expected to be back in the fold, there's no telling when he'll be executing at his regular level of play.

To David Aldridge of The Athletic, this is a major concern.

Status of Ja Morant labeled 'biggest offseason question' for Grizzlies

In a recent piece, the seasoned journalist broke down how the Grizzlies have faired thus far into the offseason and specifically highlighted the fact that their decision to select big man Zach Edey with the ninth overall pick in June's NBA Draft should help the "immediately."

However, even with their numerous additions and retainments that should improve their chances of a bounce-back season, in the end, the "biggest offseason question" that he suggests may not be receiving enough attention is whether Morant will be "back up to speed" by the time training camp comes around.

Morant, who missed all but nine games last year, has now gone over seven months without seeing any meaningful on-court action, as he was sidelined from January 5 onward after sustaining a subluxation in his right shoulder that required season-ending surgery.

Only just recently was he permitted to return to basketball activities, a moment the point guard naturally was elated about, though even he has publicly admitted to not being close to full strength just yet.

What bodes well for Morant and, frankly, the Grizzlies as a whole is that he's already proven capable of excelling upon return from an extended absence -- take his December 19 outing against the New Orleans Pelicans, for example --, so hopes are high for him to do the same come camp and, soon after, opening night and beyond.

Of course, until he finally hits the floor donning Memphis' navy, blue, and gold threads, such a happening is not a sure-fire thing, especially when considering it was his dominant arm that was operated on.

Though all signs point to the operation as having gone smoothly, as we learned during last year's campaign, nothing is a guarantee.