Ja Morant's Struggles Raise Questions About His Future in Memphis
The Grizzlies' early season woes have put the spotlight on Ja Morant, and not all of it is flattering. A 4-9 start has been a major concern, but what's more pressing is the effort level that's been evident in his performances. A subpar game against the Lakers was just the tip of the iceberg - Morant followed up with another lackluster outing against the Knicks, racking up an inexcusable eight turnovers.
Morant's decline seems to be not just about individual numbers but also about his overall demeanor on the court. His passing has become careless, he's no longer driving to the rim with the same ferocity, and his defense is suffering from a lack of focus. These changes have raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike - some are now whispering that Morant might be "quiet quitting" on his time in Memphis.
Morant's averages this season are a far cry from the highs he's experienced in the past. He's scoring at a rate of 18.9 points per game, which is the lowest since his rookie year, and his shooting percentages are among the worst he's ever seen. The numbers are concerning, but there's still time for him to turn it around.
However, beyond individual stats lies a bigger issue - Morant's relationship with the Grizzlies organization seems to have soured. The team has made some notable changes in the offseason, including trading away Desmond Bane, which suggests that they may not be fully invested in this current core. It's time for Memphis to consider exploring options outside of Morant, as his connection to the franchise may be beyond repair.
While it's possible for teams like the Detroit Pistons or Miami Heat to buy low on Morant and hope he can turn things around at 26 years old, the writing might not be entirely on the wall. The Grizzlies' struggles this season and Morant's recent performances have led to a narrative that his time in Memphis is coming to an end.
The Grizzlies' early season woes have put the spotlight on Ja Morant, and not all of it is flattering. A 4-9 start has been a major concern, but what's more pressing is the effort level that's been evident in his performances. A subpar game against the Lakers was just the tip of the iceberg - Morant followed up with another lackluster outing against the Knicks, racking up an inexcusable eight turnovers.
Morant's decline seems to be not just about individual numbers but also about his overall demeanor on the court. His passing has become careless, he's no longer driving to the rim with the same ferocity, and his defense is suffering from a lack of focus. These changes have raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike - some are now whispering that Morant might be "quiet quitting" on his time in Memphis.
Morant's averages this season are a far cry from the highs he's experienced in the past. He's scoring at a rate of 18.9 points per game, which is the lowest since his rookie year, and his shooting percentages are among the worst he's ever seen. The numbers are concerning, but there's still time for him to turn it around.
However, beyond individual stats lies a bigger issue - Morant's relationship with the Grizzlies organization seems to have soured. The team has made some notable changes in the offseason, including trading away Desmond Bane, which suggests that they may not be fully invested in this current core. It's time for Memphis to consider exploring options outside of Morant, as his connection to the franchise may be beyond repair.
While it's possible for teams like the Detroit Pistons or Miami Heat to buy low on Morant and hope he can turn things around at 26 years old, the writing might not be entirely on the wall. The Grizzlies' struggles this season and Morant's recent performances have led to a narrative that his time in Memphis is coming to an end.