A piece of devastating news was brought upon fans of the Memphis Grizzlies after the announcement that Ja Morant will be out for the rest of the season. Morant was just returning from a 25-game suspension. The Grizzlies PR released a statement regarding the 24-year-old’s status, including his medical status. On their official social media account, the team announced that Morant, who suffered a “subluxation of the right shoulder” while doing a training session during the weekend, will be undergoing a season-ending surgery.
Ja Morant just played for 9 games but was averaging 25.1 points, 8.1 assists, and 5.6 rebounds a night. In his return, Memphis was looking like they were about to recover from a terrible start of the 2023-2024 season. Right now, the Grizzlies are sitting in the 13th seed with a 13-23 record.
The @memgrizz announced the following medical update: pic.twitter.com/Cr7xKj1Wm4
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) January 9, 2024
One surprising player from the Grizzlies could take Ja Morant’s absence as an opportunity to blossom
It’s been an unfortunate season for the Grizzlies so far. Even before the All-Star weekend, they are already missing the presence of Ja Morant and Steven Adams. They started the season cold and it’s not getting any better for Grizzlies fans. However, with Morant being sidelined for the rest of the season, a young player could take this as an opportunity to step up. That guy is none other than the sophomore, Vince Williams Jr.
Vince Williams Jr never stops working. pic.twitter.com/c24e1kwq7o
— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) January 8, 2024
Williams Jr. was only playing 7 minutes a game as a rookie and only averaged 2.0 points and 1.0 rebounds. But, when he was given enough playing time during the Phoenix Suns matchup on Sunday, Williams Jr. showed up against the big three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. During that game, the 23-year-old combo guard posted 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks while also shooting 75% from the three-point line. Williams Jr., who was drafted 47th overall in 2022, may have been a great pickup for the Grizzlies all along.
Meanwhile, his teammates, coaches, and even his opponents recognized his ability to be a lockdown defender and a reliable three-point shooter. Although Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart, and Jaren Jackson Jr. are considered top-100 players, Memphis has been in the bottom half of the league after Morant’s suspension and injury.
vince williams jr. tone setter.
🎙️ coach jenkins pic.twitter.com/ec64E2MhJg
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) January 8, 2024
