Though the Memphis Grizzlies have already seen nearly two months of regular season play, ironically, perhaps the most buzzed-about storyline involving the franchise has revolved around a player who has yet to see so much as a second of on-court action thus far in Ja Morant.
Sidelined to this point as a result of a 25-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the league, the superstar guard's absence from the lineup has been felt in a grueling way and consensus belief is that it has played a major factor in their putrid 6-16 start to the season.
However, this suspension window is rapidly inching closer to a close, with the first contest he'd be allowed to return coming on December 19 in a road tilt against the New Orleans Pelicans.
While some have previously speculated that he may wish to to wait for December 21 to make his way back, as it could prove to be a major celebratory affair in front of the Grizzlies' home crowd while playing host to the Indiana Pacers, Morant himself put such an idea to rest, as he recently crafted a message on X (previously Twitter) revealing that he plans to return on day one of his eligibility against NOLA.
Ja Morant reveals exact day he'll be returning to the Memphis Grizzlies
return soon ⏳™️
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) December 11, 2023
8 days 4 games 🐻
Throughout his suspension, Morant has been rather quiet on social media, posting every now and then and rarely offering up specifics on his current situation. On occasion, however, he would issue some cryptic messages that often were interpreted as being Grizzlies-related, but nothing as straight forward as this latest post.
The belief is that his return to action will be a much-needed boost for this struggling Memphis squad, with some such as former league MVP candidate Isaiah Thomas predicting that the All-Star centerpiece's play will be "craaaazzzyyyyy."
Though it's still technically anyone's guess as to how impactful Morant will be upon his return, at least there's no more wondering when exactly said return will be.