Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant is ramping up as he prepares for his season debut and is on track to return from a 25-game suspension on December 19 against the New Orleans Pelicans, according to NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Morant has looked “good” in his on-court play with Grizzlies teammates.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in Las Vegas during the In-Season Tournament that Morant has been complying with all of the league’s checkpoints to be eligible to play once his 25-game suspension is up. Silver and Morant will have another conversation before the Memphis guard is fully cleared to play again.
Morant was issued a 25-game suspension in mid-June for posing with a gun in a livestream video on Instagram in May. The All-Star signed a five-year, $194.3 million designated rookie contract extension with the Grizzlies in July 2022.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Morant averaged 26.2 points, 5.9 rebounds and 8.1 assists last season in 61 games for the Grizzlies, who have the third-worst record in the Western Conference this season. Memphis is only 6-15.
The 24-year-old Morant has career NBA averages of 22.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.4 assists. He has made two All-Star teams and one All-NBA team. Ja also won the 2019-20 Rookie of the Year Award and the 2021-22 Most Improved Player of the Year Award.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
The Grizzlies are expected to start Morant, Marcus Smart, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Bismack Biyombo once Ja’s suspension is over and Smart recovers from his ankle injury.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
