After two huge road wins over the weekend, it seemed the Grizzlies season might finally be turning the corner.
Unfortunately, however, Monday night brought the worst possible news anyone could have imagined.
The Full listing from the Grizzlies reads as:
Just three weeks after he returned from his start of the season suspension, Morant’s season is now over following a shoulder injury suffered over the weekend. After further evaluation, a torn labrum was discovered in his right shoulder that will require the surgery ending his season. He is expected to make a full recovery by the start of the 2024-2025 season.
In 9 games this season, Morant averaged 25.1 points, 8.1 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game. the Grizzlies were 6-3 in the nine games he played, a vast improvement from being 7-20 in the 23 games he has not played in this season. He obviously made an impact as soon as he stepped foot not the court, providing a struggling offense the boost it needed to win close and big games. Now, unfortunately, the Grizzlies will be without their offensive engine for the rest of the season.
Without a doubt, this is a devastating blow to the already slim chances the Grizzlies had to make a playoff push after their struggling start to the year. While focus of the coaching staff and the roster will likely remain focused on making that playoff push a reality, logic suggests the focus of the Grizzlies’ front office will now center on the future.
How this will impact decisions at the trade deadline and the shape of the roster for the rest of the season remains to be seen.
It what has been a season of many more struggles than successes, the Grizzlies have continued to endure unfortunate event after unfortunate event. If there is a silver lining, many players on the roster full of youth and potential will continue to be asked to play significant roles for the Grizzlies in games. And while this season will likely not work out as anyone hoped, perhaps growth and development for many on the roster will benefit the future.
Much more to come has more news becomes available.