Injured Again! Ja Morant Temporarily Steps Away From the NBA—His Second Setback This Season

The Memphis Grizzlies are once again forced to navigate life without their star point guard, Ja Morant. After returning to the lineup against the Portland Trail Blazers and putting up an impressive 22 points and 11 assists in a much-needed win, Morant has been sidelined yet again—this time due to a left knee contusion. According to team reporter Cole, Morant is confirmed to miss the upcoming home game against the Detroit Pistons.

Morant’s absence continues a worrying trend of injuries that have plagued his young career. Despite being one of the most electrifying players in the league, known for his gravity-defying finishes and highlight-reel plays, his aggressive style of play has exacted a heavy toll on his body. This season alone, Morant has only appeared in 9 of the Grizzlies’ 18 games, and the injuries are starting to feel less like isolated incidents and more like a recurring pattern.

A History of Pain

At just 25 years old, Morant is in the prime of his athleticism, a time when most players are at their peak durability. However, his relentless, high-flying approach to the game draws immediate comparisons to Derrick Rose, the youngest MVP in NBA history. Rose’s career was derailed by knee injuries, and fans and analysts alike fear that Morant may be heading down a similar path if he doesn’t adapt his playstyle.

The concerns aren’t unfounded. Last season, Morant was limited to just 9 games before undergoing shoulder surgery, which ended his campaign prematurely. This year, the Grizzlies have taken significant steps to manage his workload, limiting him to 27.3 minutes per game, his lowest since entering the league. Even so, his penchant for attacking the rim with reckless abandon has made him a frequent visitor to the injury report.

A Dying Art: Shooting Woes

Part of the issue lies in Morant’s offensive profile. Unlike many guards in today’s NBA, where perimeter shooting is king, Morant relies heavily on his ability to score inside the paint. His 10.4 points per game in the paint account for exactly half of his total scoring output, a figure that places him among the league’s top guards in interior scoring. Only a handful of players, such as RJ Barrett (11.6), LaMelo Ball (11.4), Cade Cunningham (10.9), and Luka Dončić (10.9), surpass him in this category.

However, this dependence on interior scoring leaves him vulnerable to physical wear and tear. His inability to develop a consistent outside shot exacerbates the issue. This season, Morant is shooting a dismal 29.4% from three-point range, slightly better than last year’s 27.5%. These numbers place him among the league’s least efficient long-range shooters.

Morant’s struggles extend beyond the arc. His isolation efficiency is also alarmingly low, sitting at just 36.5%, ranking him among the league’s worst in this category. The only players with worse isolation efficiency are Jalen Green (13.3%), Anthony Davis (35.7%), and Julius Randle (36.1%).

A Worrying Trend Among Young Guards

Morant isn’t the only young guard facing criticism for a one-dimensional playstyle. Many of the league’s emerging stars seem to prioritize athleticism and physicality over developing a reliable shooting touch. Jalen Green, for instance, has been under fire for his inefficiency and lack of versatility, yet the Rockets recently extended him with a lucrative three-year, $105 million contract.

This trend raises questions about the future of the position. In an NBA increasingly dominated by perimeter shooting, guards who rely solely on their athleticism may struggle to sustain long-term success. Without a reliable jump shot, they risk becoming predictable and easier to defend, making it harder to carve out a lasting impact in the league.

Protecting the Franchise

The Grizzlies are acutely aware of the risks associated with Morant’s playstyle. By capping his minutes and taking a cautious approach to his injuries, the team has demonstrated its commitment to preserving his career. However, the question remains: Can Morant adjust?

Players like Rose and even Russell Westbrook have shown the difficulties of transitioning from an athletic, rim-attacking guard to a more well-rounded player. Morant’s window to make that adjustment is narrowing, and each injury shortens the time he has to evolve his game.

For now, the Grizzlies must again face life without their star, and Morant must grapple with the physical toll of his electrifying but unsustainable style. Fans can only hope this latest setback serves as a wake-up call for one of the NBA’s brightest talents.