Ja Morant, the point guard for the Grizzlies, is sidelined until December due to a 25-game suspension. Despite his ineligibility to play, the intention is for Morant to stay fully engaged with the team throughout this period, according to Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal.
As Cole writes, the team sought guidance from the NBA and verified that Morant is allowed to participate in Grizzlies’ practices and accompany them on away games. However, he won’t be able to be present in the arena during actual game time.
“I think it’s great to have, I think it’s great for the group that he can be with us,” Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman told reporters. “The NBA has basically said that as long as Ja continues to stay on track, he is going to be cleared to participate in all team activities.”
Even though Morant can join in practices and scrimmages, it’s anticipated that he’ll likely be placed in the second or third unit during those sessions.
This strategic placement allows head coach Taylor Jenkins to assess the lineups that will be at his disposal for the initial 25 games of the season.
“He and I talked about as we go into camp, it’s a unique situation where even though he’s allowed to practice, I’ve got to start diving into not just what our opening night roster is going to be, but seeing those different combinations,” Jenkins said, per Cole.
Ja Morant will be around the Grizzlies on a full-time basis while he serves his 25-game suspension, plus more Memphis notes: https://t.co/cRQE6Q7M5z
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) October 4, 2023
