A ruptured labrum has forced Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant to sit out the rest of the season, the team revealed on Monday night via social media. 

As stated in the Grizzlies’ press release:

Morant injured his right shoulder during practice on Saturday. In response to persistent discomfort and instability, Morant had an MRI, which detected a labral tear. 

After season-ending surgery, Morant is anticipated to recover fully in time for the 2024-25 season. 

This is terrible news for the Grizzlies, who had gotten off to a rough start to the season but were beginning to gain momentum. In nine games played, Morant averaged 25.1 points, 8.1 assists, and 5.6 rebounds; his team, Memphis, went 6-3. 

It was determined that Morant’s right shoulder was injured, thus he sat out Sunday’s game against the Suns. The season-ending news came before Tuesday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks, when he was also certain to sit out. 

After making the revelation, Morant took to X to post a blue love emoji. 

There’s no way to turn a loss like this into an upside, but considering how badly the Grizzlies started the season sans Morant, they were likely too far behind in the Western Conference to have a chance at anything more than a Play-In Tournament position. With their current record of 13–23, the Grizzlies were in thirteenth place heading into Monday’s game. Despite missing out on Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke, would it be worth it to make it to the Play-In?

I have no doubt that the Grizzlies would respond in the affirmative; after all, they believe they were capable of defeating any playoff opponent with a fully healthy Morant. Their ability to enter a pseudo-tank and emerge with a high pick has recently been enhanced. At this time, the Grizzlies have the sixth-best chances of drafting first overall. 

Memphis can return to next season with a healthy Morant, possibly even better Bane and Jackson, and the return of Adams and Clarke to the offensive glass. Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. are players on par with All-Stars, and they can continue to grow this season as focal points without allowing touches to Morant.

Once again, the Grizzlies are taking a major hit. It may not be fatal in the long run, however. In any case, this season may have been a bust. Taking this setback in stride, they can move on to what is still a promising future. 

This season, Morant, who is 24 years old, averaged 22.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.4 assists.