The Memphis Grizzlies are looking to take part in a redemption campaign this coming season after enduring one of their most tumultuous years in nearly a decade in 2023-24.
While many factors played into their putrid 27-55 finish, particularly the slew of injuries that impacted the vast majority of coach Taylor Jenkins' roster, easily the most significant was the lack of availability of superstar guard Ja Morant.
After missing the first 25 games of the year due to a league-issued suspension for inappropriate off-court shenanigans, soon after his December 19 return the point guard was once again forced to the sidelines after sustaining a right shoulder subluxation that, unfortunately, required season-ending surgery.
Now, nearly seven months after going under the knife, Morant has officially been cleared for basketball activities, and, during a recent interview with Adam Wells of WPSD Local 6, he sent a stern warning to the rest of the NBA as he works his way back to full strength.
Grizzlies star Ja Morant sends warning to NBA as he nears full health
"I'm really fully to go, it's just building endurance now. If I had to pick a number I'd probably say 75 percent, and I feel like that's still scary for whoever's in front of me," Morant said.
One of the best players, let alone point guards the NBA has to offer, Morant has led the Grizzlies to great heights throughout his five-year tenure, including three playoffs berths, two straight Southwest Division titles, and an appearance in the Western Conference Semifinals for just the fourth time in franchise history.
On top of this, he himself has achieved sensational successes such as two All-Star nods, an All-NBA selection, and career averages of 22.5 points, 7.4 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.0 steals on 47.2 percent shooting from the floor.
JA MORANT WINS IT AT THE BUZZER 🤯 pic.twitter.com/Tu2MAComDY
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 20, 2023
Even this past season, despite his lacking availability, Morant still showcased why exactly he's such a vital component to Memphis' successes, as he dropped sensational averages of 25.1 points, 8.1 assists, and 5.6 rebounds on 47.1 percent shooting from the field while guiding the team to a 6-3 record and their longest winning streak of five straight games during his nine active outings.
Now, as we approach 2024-25, all eyes will be squarely on Morant's "comeback story" narrative, with some such as Bleacher Report's Mo Dakhil suggesting, if he can get back to his pre-injury form and help lead the Grizzlies to similar win shares as he has in the past, he could legitimately find himself in the running for league MVP.
Of course, the star will need to be at full strength in order to even come close to accomplishing such a feat, and, fortunately for him, Morant told Wells that he expects to be "12 out of 10" come October.