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Ja Morant is having a relatively lukewarm year for the Memphis Grizzlies. The two-time All-Star is averaging 21.8 points on 43.9 percent shooting with 7.5 assists and four rebounds across 29.9 minutes, which are all down from his last two seasons.
Morant leads Memphis in assists per game, but trails behind Jaren Jackson Jr. in points (22.7) and field goal percentage (49.7). Jackson was also an All-Star this season, while Morant wasn’t.
This doesn’t guarantee that Jackson will replace Morant as the Grizzlies’ main star long-term, but it’s possible. However, it’s fair for Memphis fans to wonder how the latter player is feeling, especially considering his mysterious X post on Thursday.
“Loyalty comes from the heart,” the former Most Improved Player said.
The context behind this five-word statement from Morant is unknown, but it does come after the Grizzlies secured a close victory over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night.
Morant is well-established as one of the NBA’s most talented guards. The Murray State alum won Rookie of the Year after averaging 17.8 points on 47.7 percent shooting with 7.3 assists in the 2019-20 campaign, and topped out with a 27.4-point average in 2021-22.
Morant then went through adversity, including multiple suspensions in 2022-2023 and playing only nine games last season due to another suspension and a shoulder injury. The 25-year-old has already missed 24 contests this year, but is now fully healthy.
The Grizzlies could use Morant at his best when the playoffs arrive, as the Western Conference has threats such as the Oklahoma City Thunder (54-12), Denver Nuggets (42-24), and Los Angeles Lakers (40-23). Memphis is in second place at 42-24, but the postseason is a different ballgame, as proven by its upset first-round series loss to the Lakers in 2023.
MikeCheck: Grizzlies Play Group Ready For Action
They’re referred to as the “Play Group” guys.
But few take their roles more seriously than this group of young prospects, league journeymen and guys rehabbing from injuries who are normally at the end of the Grizzlies’ bench.
Under normal circumstances, the “Play Group” guys stay ready by working out together before and after practices, as well as on off days, to remain in shape for whenever opportunity arrives. Those pick-up hoops sessions between actual Grizzlies games can be epic.
There’s trash talk. There’s physicality. There’s relentless intensity. Bodies are flying. Sometimes, even chairs or water bottles. Players on the winning teams constantly look over their shoulders when the play games end. Players on the losing side never leave the court willingly.
“We tend to get after it,” Grizzlies backup center Jay Huff deadpanned.
Right now, they’re also getting to emerge from the background and into the game-night spotlight as the Grizzlies cope with a recent stretch of minor injuries to frontline players.
Already on this four-game homestand, Huff earned his second start at center, journeyman forward Marvin Bagley logged his most minutes, rookie guard Cam Spencer notched his career high in scoring and rugged forward Lamar Stevens made a game-sealing defensive stop.
And every single contribution is essential during this all-sneakers-on-deck stretch of games. The Grizzlies carried momentum into Wednesday’s game against the Jazz after a breakout effort from their “Play Group” guys in Monday’s 120-118 win over the Suns to open the homestand.
Huff, Spencer, Bagley and Stevens combined for 52 points, 16 rebounds, four assists and three steals to help secure the victory. All-Star power forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (ankle) and productive sixth-man Santi Aldama (calf) remained out Wednesday against the Jazz.
Two other primary rotation players in Brandon Clarke (knee) and Zach Edey (ankle) were also either sidelined or limited in working their way back from injuries. So that could mean more game action is in store for the “Play Group” guys to continue filling the void.
“There’s a reason why guys like me, Bagley, Jay and Cam are able to come in and play at that level,” said Stevens, nearing the end of his second 10-day contract with the Grizzlies. “We compete all the time. We’re always pushing each other. So, it’s good to see guys in that play group showing up, because we work and train each other. And we’ve got a great group of leaders in Jaren, Ja (Morant) and Desmond (Bane). We’re showing that work we’re putting in.”
The Grizzlies will need all available bodies as the homestand closes with a demanding back-to-back set. The NBA-leading Cleveland Cavaliers visit Friday followed by Saturday’s matchup against the Miami Heat on Tony Allen’s jersey retirement night.
Jenkins knows he can rely on the Grizzlies “Play Group” guys to answer the call when needed.
“We’ve been in some different situations, with guys in and out with injuries and lineup adjustments and whatever’s thrown our way,” Jenkins said. “But it always goes back to that next-man-up mentality. And you see how our guys collectively respond to the opportunities.”
The Grizzlies will soon get some key players back to build rhythm and continuity over the next month heading into the playoffs. Until then, a specific group of backups are eagerly on standby.
When it comes to staying ready for action, these “Play Group” guys don’t play.
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