TITLE: Morant Returns From One-Game Suspension as Grizzlies’ Rotation Choices Draw Scrutiny
SLUG: morant-returns-suspension-grizzlies-rotation-choices
CONTENT:
Memphis point guard Ja Morant was back on the court Monday night, one day after serving a team-issued, one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the club. In the 118-110 road defeat to the Detroit Pistons, the 26-year-old logged a double-double with 18 points and 10 assists, but shot 5-for-16 and committed five turnovers.
Speaking to reporters after the loss, Morant said the matter that triggered his suspension is “resolved,” adding, “They told y’all that, right? Obviously they can’t go and tell you something I didn’t say.” He described his relationship with the organization as solid—“If I didn’t have a good relationship, I wouldn’t talk to them at all”—yet acknowledged he is not playing with his usual enthusiasm, answering “no” when asked if the joy is still there. Asked how that joy can return, he replied, “We’ll see.”
Head coach Tuomas Iisalo’s substitution patterns have reduced the time Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. share the floor. Entering Monday’s contest, the duo averaged 14.6 minutes together per game, down from 21.4 last season. On ESPN’s “NBA Today,” Marc J. Spears reported that Jackson is “equally as frustrated” with the rotations.
Despite a 3-5 start, Jackson voiced confidence in the roster. “We have all the tools and pieces,” he said. “The urgency’s got to be there.”
Second-year wing Jaylen Wells, a Rookie of the Year finalist in 2024-25, is trying to shake a slow start. His shooting has slipped from .425/.352/.822 as a rookie to .352/.256/.643 through seven games. “Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever missed this many shots in my life, but I’m going to keep shooting it,” Wells said.
Source: Hoops Rumors
