The Memphis Grizzlies have shared the latest update on Ja Morant‘s progress on his recovery from a calf injury. Morant hasn’t played since November 15, but the Grizzlies surprisingly have a winning record in his absence.
According to Michael Wallace of the Grizzlies’ official site, Morant is scheduled to be reevaluated on Tuesday after the team’s game against the San Antonio Spurs. He was initially diagnosed with a Grade 1 right calf strain and was tagged as week-to-week, as per CBS Sports.
The Grizzlies didn’t share a timeline for his return, but ESPN has temporarily listed it for December 12. Radius Sports Rehab in Nevada explained that a Grade 1 strain is considered mild because only a handful of muscle fibers were torn. It’s the most common type of strain, with a recovery timeline of one to three weeks.
Morant is approaching his third week since suffering the injury, so there’s a chance that he’ll get cleared to return at the end of the week. He’s having the worst season of his career since his rookie year, averaging 17.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 7.6 assists on a career-low 35.9% shooting, which includes an abysmal 16.7% from 3-point range.
Grizzlies Winning Without Morant
The Memphis Grizzlies appear to be doing better without Ja Morant since they have a winning record of 5-2 after he was ruled out with the calf injury. Players like Cam Spencer, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Vince Williams have received increased minutes in his absence.
Memphis lost the first game to the San Antonio Spurs after Morant’s injury. They then bounced back with back-to-back wins over the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks before getting beat by the Denver Nuggets.
But since that defeat to the Nuggets, the Grizzlies have won three in a row against the New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Clippers and the Kings. They will look to make it four in a row in San Antonio at the Frost Bank Center on Tuesday.
The most intriguing part of this burst of chemistry and wins for the Grizzlies is the possibility of Morant getting traded. They are in the same position as the Atlanta Hawks, who are winning despite Trae Young‘s absence since late October.
Morant’s Change in Demeanor
While there were signs that Ja Morant was unhappy with the Memphis Grizzlies’ new coaching staff, especially head coach Tuomas Iisalo, things seem to have settled down for now.
The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported that the relationship could be salvageable based on Morant’s demeanor on the sidelines during the Grizzlies’ 115-107 win over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday. The former No. 2 pick was the biggest cheerleader and was even involved in timeouts, assisting the coaching staff.
“It’s a huge advantage for us. It’s during the games. He’s asking stuff of me and giving some tips there for the guys. Overall, really good communication, really good leadership, both from him and also from Jaren (Jackson Jr.) and our veteran guys,” Iisalo told Amick.
With the trade deadline still a couple of months away, Morant and the Grizzlies have another chance to make things work before making a potentially franchise-altering decision.
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