In its very complicated start to the season, Memphis is looking for reasons for hope. These are not numerous, because even if the Grizzlies won their second victory of their season against the Clippers, the Tennessee franchise remains at the back of the pack in the Western Conference, and has to deal with numerous absences, often long ones. duration.
Suspended for 25 matches after appearing with a gun for the second time, Ja Morant does his best to make the best of the situation. Apart from matches, for which he is not invited, Ja Morant is always there the rest of the time, with his team, like the leader he was before his extra-sporting slip-ups. Asked on the subject before the match against the Clippers, Taylor Jenkins is very satisfied with the attitude of his playmaker while awaiting his return to play at the end of December.
“He is fully involved in practices, video sessions, individual training, team dinners and shared moments in their hotel rooms after matches”did he declare. “He has had a very positive attitude throughout this period. I know it’s frustrating for him and for the team not to have him by his side. We are aware of the circumstances.”
The lesson finally learned?
This suspension was intended in particular to make him understand the importance of reviewing his behavior, and it would therefore bear fruit according to the words of the coach. Jenkins has spoken regularly with his player since to discuss the situation, basketball, but also life in general. “I learned a lot from him. He also learned a lot from me”, he mentioned.
Taylor Jenkins continued the description of Ja Morant’s behavior by pointing out that he had been assigned to train with the “second unit” or even the third team, and that he had “fully accepted” his fate. On the other hand, he does not speak about his situation when he returns to the field.
“He puts every chance on his side to prepare as well as possible, but also to help this team as best he can with his intelligence, his empathy, his voice, his presence and his state of mind. It’s great to see him taking on, I don’t want to say a leadership role, but his investment in the group is great”he continued.
This is already a first step in the right direction after having accumulated bad choices for over a year…
| Ja Morant | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2019-20 | SAME | 67 | 31 | 47.7 | 33.5 | 77.6 | 0.8 | 3.1 | 3.9 | 7.3 | 1.6 | 0.9 | 3.3 | 0.3 | 17.8 |
| 2020-21 | SAME | 63 | 33 | 44.9 | 30.3 | 72.8 | 0.9 | 3.1 | 4.0 | 7.4 | 1.4 | 0.9 | 3.2 | 0.2 | 19.1 |
| 2021-22 | SAME | 57 | 33 | 49.3 | 34.4 | 76.1 | 1.4 | 4.4 | 5.7 | 6.7 | 1.5 | 1.2 | 3.4 | 0.4 | 27.4 |
| 2022-23 | SAME | 8 | 32 | 51.0 | 50.0 | 85.1 | 1.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 7.0 | 1.8 | 0.8 | 4.1 | 0.4 | 29.0 |
| Total | 195 | 32 | 47.6 | 33.4 | 76.0 | 1.0 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 7.1 | 1.5 | 1.0 | 3.3 | 0.3 | 21.5 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
