Grueling truth bomb dropped on Grizzlies: 'Shaping up as a throwaway season'

The Memphis Grizzlies may be tied for the league's third-worst record at 6-16 but hope that this season can be turned around is certainly not lost amongst the fanbase, and the primary reason why is because of the impending return of star centerpiece, Ja Morant.

Sidelined to this point due to a suspension for conduct deemed detrimental to the league, the 24-year-old's absence from the rotation has sorely been felt, though with his expected return date of December 19 rapidly approaching the belief of many is that they'll soon find themselves inching their way closer to the road to recovery and be back on track for yet another potential playoff run.

However, not all share in this level of enthusiasm, as some such as Shaun Powell of NBA.com are more under the assumption that, even with Morant back in the picture, 2023-24 is looking like a "throwaway" campaign.

Memphis Grizzlies hit with harsh take ahead of Ja Morant's return

"He hasn’t given himself or his team much room for error when he returns this month. The Grizzlies have been a mess without him — Desmond Bane being the exception.

Not only must Memphis dig itself out of a crater to give itself a better chance of even making the Play-In Tournament, but the Grizzlies must do so with a star player who might be rusty. He hasn’t played since last spring. It’s shaping up as a throwaway season — and a hard lesson for Morant."

- Shaun Powell on Ja Morant's return

Sadly, Powell is far from the only pundit who has voiced this harsh take in regard to the Grizzlies, as former sixth-man extraordinaire Lou Williams has gone on record to note that the club is already "cooked."

Even former Memphis wing Danny Green has gone on to offer up his harrowing two cents on the matter, going as far as to say they should "hit the reset button" and set their sights on next season rather than try to salvage this one.

Despite all this negative chatter, those within the team's locker room still have faith that things can turn around, with star big Jaren Jackson Jr. predicting that December is going to be a notably good month.

At this point, only time will tell which narrative will wind up becoming a reality.