Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has completed his eight-game suspension, but the point guard must recondition to rejoin his teammates on the court.
Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant has fulfilled his eight-game NBA suspension as of Monday, but it will still take time for Morant to retake the court.
The 23-year-old point guard was suspended for “conduct detrimental to the team” as a result of a livestream published on Morant’s social media. In the March 4 Instagram Live video, Morant wielded a firearm while visiting a Denver nightclub.
Although Morant is eligible to play in tonight’s game versus the Dallas Mavericks, he is listed as out due to “Return to Competition Reconditioning.”
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins indicated that Morant would need a “quick ramp-up” when his suspension was announced, so the reconditioning issue has been factored into his return since then.
NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Morant likely won’t return to the court until Wednesday when the Grizzlies host the Houston Rockets.
Ja Morant remains on the sideline after eight-game NBA suspension
The Grizzlies have won five of their last eight games without Morant in the lineup, with Tyus Jones leading as the Grizzlies point guard in his absence. Jones tied a career-high mark of 14 assists during a 133-119 win over the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, scoring 13 points for Memphis. However, Jaren Jackson Jr. has been the primary scorer in Morant’s absence, and with Jackson listed as questionable for Monday’s game due to a calf injury.
Although the Grizzlies roster is dealing with several injuries, Memphis is still expected to win over Dallas, largely because Luka Doncic remains questionable due to a thigh injury.
Ranking third in the Western Conference, the Grizzlies are managing fine without Morant, but the suspension is expected to be costly for the two-time All-Star in the long run. If Morant misses All-NBA selection this season, it could end up costing him millions of dollars if he’s unable to secure a supermax extension.