The wait for Memphis Grizzlies fans has come to an end: Ja Morant will be back on the NBA court this Tuesday night (19), after a 25-game suspension for having displayed a weapon on social media for the second time — in the first instance, the hook was eight games.
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With this, the point guard’s debut game in the 2023-24 NBA season will take place at the Smoothie King Center, in New Orleans, against the New Orleans Pelicans.
It is worth remembering that even during the period of the punishment, Morant was able to participate in all of the franchise’s training sessions and trips, mainly to facilitate his interaction with his new teammates, such as Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose, and not lose his rhythm in the game.
As a result, coach Taylor Jenkins did not reveal whether the team’s star will return to play as a starter, but made it clear that he intends to put him on the court against the Pelicans by declaring that he expects Ja Morant to be “at full steam” for his release.
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During the player’s first suspension, which took place in March, he did not return to play as soon as he was released by the league. After eight hook games, the point guard still had to wait two more rounds to take the court — but at the time, he was even suspended from training.
The player himself has been counting down to his return and took the blame for the terrible campaign the Grizzlies have had so far: there were 18 defeats in 24 games.
“Having the flexibility to train and travel with the team was good both physically and mentally. I focused a lot on myself, on how I can improve as a vocal leader on the court. From the outside you observe, but you can’t do anything. Now I want to change that “, he declared, in a press conference held last Friday (15).