Morant, Iisalo Relationship Calms as Memphis Adjusts Rotation
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The tension that flared between point guard Ja Morant and first-year head coach Tuomas Iisalo early in the season has cooled, according to the Memphis Commercial Appeal. Morant served a team-imposed one-game suspension after an Oct. 31 loss to the Lakers, when Iisalo questioned his leadership and Morant criticized the coach’s substitution patterns. On Friday, Dec. 28, Morant returned from a four-game absence and posted 17 points, 10 assists and four rebounds in 25 minutes of a home win over Milwaukee. Iisalo said the club is still searching for the right minute restriction for the 26-year-old but was pleased that Morant “was able to express himself fully” without extended stints on the bench.
Jackson regains form. Power forward Jaren Jackson Jr. opened the year in a slump but has recently produced at an All-Star level. Jackson, who underwent offseason turf-toe surgery, said he underestimated how much the procedure would affect his early-season play: “I think I was still just recovering from surgery, honestly.”
Landale sidelined. Backup center Jock Landale was a late scratch Friday with right calf soreness and is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s matchup in Washington. The 29-year-old is averaging career highs of 11.0 points, 5.9 rebounds and 22.3 minutes on a one-year, minimum-salary contract.
Koloko steps in. With Landale, Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke unavailable against the Bucks, Iisalo turned to Christian Koloko, who is on a 10-day hardship deal. The 25-year-old logged 28 minutes—far more than expected—and finished with four points, three rebounds, three steals and one block while recording a game-best plus-23. “I was very impressed with his ability to step out and guard different type of guys,” Iisalo said.
Source: Hoops Rumors
