Confirmed: Ja Morant Suffers AC Joint Sprain—Is the NBA Witnessing Another Injury-Prone Superstar?

The Memphis Grizzlies’ electrifying point guard Ja Morant has once again fallen victim to injury. During a recent 132-124 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, Morant collided with Pelicans forward Jaxson Hayes while fighting through a screen in the third quarter. The result? A painful tumble and a diagnosis from the Grizzlies’ medical staff confirming a Grade 1 sprain of his right AC joint. The team has announced that Morant will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis, leaving fans and analysts questioning the long-term durability of one of the league’s most dynamic players.

A Pattern of Setbacks

This latest injury is hardly an isolated incident for Morant, who has struggled to stay consistently on the court this season. Through the Grizzlies’ 33 games, Morant has only appeared in 20, missing substantial time due to various injuries and minor ailments. Even when he does play, Memphis has been cautiously managing his workload, limiting him to an average of 27.7 minutes per game—his lowest since his rookie year.

Despite these restrictions, Morant’s relentless style of play remains a double-edged sword. With a fearless mentality that often leads him to attack the paint, Morant has been averaging 10.4 points per game in the restricted area, accounting for more than half of his total scoring output (21.2 points per game). However, this high-octane, "dynamite in hand" approach may also be the root cause of his frequent injuries.

The concerns about Morant’s fragility are not new. Last season, he played only nine games before undergoing shoulder surgery, which ended his season prematurely. The repeated setbacks have some observers questioning whether Morant’s body can withstand the rigors of his aggressive playing style over an extended NBA career.

Comparing Styles: Morant vs. Edwards

For a point of contrast, consider Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves. While Edwards is also a young star, his approach to scoring is significantly different from Morant’s. Edwards has embraced a perimeter-oriented game, taking 9.8 three-point attempts per game—nearly half of his total shot attempts (20.1). This outside focus reduces the physical toll on his body, as evidenced by his relatively modest 7.4 points per game in the paint.

Edwards’ efficiency may not be stellar (41.1% from beyond the arc), but it allows him to maintain a robust 24.9 points per game while avoiding the kind of relentless contact that has become a hallmark of Morant’s game. For Morant, adopting a more balanced offensive approach—similar to Edwards—might help preserve his longevity without sacrificing his production.

Opportunity for Yuki Kawamura

Morant’s absence could be a silver lining for Memphis rookie Yuki Kawamura, the diminutive 5'8" point guard from Japan. Kawamura has been making waves recently, including a standout performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder where he tallied 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists in just 11 minutes of action. His fearless play and ability to make the most of limited opportunities have earned him praise from opponents, including Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Kawamura’s emergence is a testament to the power of perseverance. At just 5'8", his success in the NBA is already a historic achievement. With 24 career points, he has tied Zhou Qi’s NBA scoring total and become the third Japanese player to score in double figures in an NBA game, joining Rui Hachimura and Yuta Watanabe. Kawamura’s rise serves as a beacon of hope for undersized players around the world.

A Commentary on Morant’s Challenges

Ja Morant’s injuries are a stark reminder of the fine line between brilliance and burnout in professional sports. His electrifying athleticism and fearless drive have made him one of the most exciting players to watch, but they’ve also put his long-term career at risk.

To truly ascend to the ranks of the NBA’s all-time greats, Morant may need to adapt his game to prioritize longevity over highlight-reel moments. Whether it’s developing a more consistent outside shot or refining his decision-making in the paint, the changes could be the key to extending his career while maintaining his status as a franchise cornerstone.

For now, fans will be hoping for a speedy recovery. But the larger question looms: Will Ja Morant’s explosive style ultimately prove unsustainable in the physically demanding world of the NBA? If the Grizzlies are to contend for championships in the years to come, finding the answer to that question may be just as important as Morant’s recovery itself.