MEMPHIS, Tenn. — "It's go time."
That's what Ja Morant had to say on X, formerly Twitter, after he was medically cleared to return to basketball activities, Tuesday.
Morant missed 25 games for a suspension in 2023-2024. He only played nine games afterwards before a torn labrum in his right shoulder sidelined him for the rest of the season. He was in a sling for more than a month after the injury. The Grizzlies went 6-3 with Ja Morant in the lineup.
Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins confirmed the news during the team's summer league game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday.
"It's been released out there. Ja, it's go time. So very encouraged, medically cleared, full go, crossed all the hurdles," Jenkins said. "He's been phenomenal with his rehab, now it's full go basketball with him with all contact. Now it's been more on the body, getting that back in the right spot. But now he's full go basketball wise. We can dive into his basketball plan."
In the few games he played, Morant averaged 25.1 points, 8.1 assists and 5.6 rebounds while shooting 47% from the floor in 35.3 minutes per game.
The Grizzlies were largely decimated by injuries, setting an NBA record in April for the most starting lineups in league history with more than 50.
Morant has been active in the offseason. He's hosted youth camps and been seen with his AAU team, Twelve Time. During his ProCamp in Memphis on June 22nd, Morant was confident he would be back soon.
"I hate being around basketball and not being able to play," Morant said. "I don't have too much longer, I can't wait to make sure I can play before the season comes."
