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The Memphis Grizzlies will be indefinitely without superstar point guard Ja Morant this season. Following his two-game suspension and then four-game absence to start a "healing process," Morant will take more time off.
An hour earlier, the latest update came out:
"Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant has entered a counseling program in Florida and there remains no timetable for his return to active play."
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The Grizzlies are 7-7 this season when "G12" is unavailable. He is averaging 27.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, 8.2 assists, and 1.1 steals in 53 games. Morant is also hitting 46.3% of his shots from the field, including 31.6% from behind the arc.
While his three-point shooting has dropped considerably, 34.4% last season, he remains one of the NBA's best in attacking the rim. Outside of Giannis Antetokounmpo, he may be the league's most dangerous threat at full throttle towards the basket.
Morant is just 6'3 and of a slight build, but his athleticism, explosiveness, and ability to take a hit make him stand out inside the paint.
The Memphis Grizzlies don't have a single player to make up for what he brings to the floor. The Grizzlies still have 15 games left and are looking to cement a top-four finish for home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Missing Morant could endanger their goal of at least landing a top-four seed.
The Memphis Grizzlies can't last in the postseason without Ja Morant
Last season, Ja Morant didn't suit up in 25 games for the Memphis Grizzlies. They went 20-5 during that stretch as Tyus Jones ably started for the All-Star point guard.
At one point, the Grizzlies went 10-2 after Morant injured his knee against the Atlanta Hawks on Nov. 26 last year. Backup point guard Jones averaged 12.7 points, 6.6 assists, and 3.2 rebounds in a sterling relief job.
Jones did not have Morant's explosiveness and ability to attack the rim, but he steadied the ship when needed.
The playoffs, however, will be an entirely different matter. Memphis will only go as far as Ja Morant can take them. Once the postseason starts, they will need the 2019-20 Rookie of the Year to lead the charge.
Look no further than last year's playoff series against the Golden State Warriors, which showcased Morant's importance. Morant averaged a sizzling 38.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 3.0 steals in three games versus the eventual champs.
The Memphis Grizzlies had no chance of winning that series when Morant went down with an injury. This remains to be the case for Memphis this season. They could be looking at a first-round exit if they don't get their franchise player back.
The Grizzlies have a 115.5 offensive rating when "G12" plays. That figure drops to 111.5 when he isn't available. It's a massive four-point swing that could mean a first-round exit or a trip to the Western Conference Finals.
On the defensive side, Memphis' defensive rating is at 110.7 DRTG when Morant suits up. It remains steady at 110.6 when he sits.
The Memphis Grizzlies are in deep trouble without Ja Morant in the postseason.
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