Suspended 25 matches by the NBA after yet another extra-sporting escapade, Ja Morant will be the big absentee from the recovery. To compensate for this absence, the Grizzlies went to get Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose, and in Memphis, we have always been able to manage the absences of the All-Star leader quite well, whether for suspensions or injuries.
The big question is whether Ja Morant will be allowed to stay with the group during his suspension, and use the franchise’s facilities. If we are to believe Taylor Jenkins, the NBA has not yet decided.
“There are still details to be worked out. We hope he can be present as much as possible with the team. But the dialogue [avec la NBA] must continue” explains the Memphis coach.
The Grizzlies are used to managing absences
Is there any frustration at the idea of going into the season without your best player? For Taylor Jenkins, we have to think as a team, and not focus on a particular player.
“We always talk about our standard collectively. It’s not about a specific individual. Obviously, Ja will be out for 25 games, him, me, the other players and [le GM Zach Kleiman] We discussed the situation. But nothing will change regarding the preparation. Everyone on the team, including Ja when he returns to the squad, needs to stay ready. Just like the other 17 players… Whether you’re in the rotation, whether you’re not in the rotation, whether you’re injured, you have to keep that next player mentality. It’s easier said than done. But if you look at our team over the last two years, players have been absent a lot for various reasons. »
“The road is long” for Brandon Clarke
Besides Ja Morant, if he is not allowed to train with the rest of the group, there will be another notable absentee: Brandon Clarke.
The Grizzlies’ leaping interior could miss the entire season after rupturing an Achilles tendon.
“Brandon’s schedule hasn’t really changed since his surgery. He’s progressing well at the moment, but it’s just a long process.” recalls Taylor Jenkins. “There are positive projections and others more conservative. We take things step by step. Soon there will be follow-up tests that will allow doctors to see how he is doing with his energy and strength. And when he can move up a gear. But there is still a long way to go. »
| 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 | 61 | 32 | 46.6 | 30.7 | 74.8 | 1.0 | 4.9 | 5.9 | 8.1 | 1.6 | 1.1 | 3.4 | 0.3 | 26.2 |
| Total | 248 | 32 | 47.2 | 32.1 | 75.3 | 1.0 | 3.8 | 4.8 | 7.4 | 1.5 | 1.0 | 3.3 | 0.3 | 22.4 | |
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.
