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Ja Morant's ACL Injury Sends Shockwave Through Memphis
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Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, November 16th 2025 at 1:17 GMT by IBTimes UK- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Ja Morant’s Latest Injury Sends Shockwave Through Memphis, Fans Wonder If He Can Stay Healthy
A thunderclap reverberated through the Grizzlies faithful last week when guard‑forward Ja Morant, the 23‑year‑old dynamic playmaker who has carried the Memphis franchise’s hopes, sustained a new, serious injury. The incident, which occurred during a home fixture against the Oklahoma City Thunder, has raised immediate concerns about his long‑term health and the future of the team’s playoff ambitions.
The Incident
In the fourth quarter of the November 4 matchup, Morant leapt for a defensive rebound, landing awkwardly on his right knee. Video replays confirmed that he sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and an associated meniscal tear. The injury was diagnosed during a post‑game medical evaluation conducted by the Grizzlies’ staff, and the NBA’s official injury report confirmed the nature of the damage.
The injury came on the heels of a season in which Morant averaged 29.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 9.4 assists per game, establishing himself as the cornerstone of the franchise’s offense and an All‑Star candidate. He had already suffered a fractured finger earlier in the year, but the new knee injury marks the most significant setback of his career to date.
Immediate Reactions
Team Announcement – Memphis head coach Taylor McKinnon's office released an official statement expressing deep concern for Morant’s recovery. The statement emphasized that the Grizzlies’ priority is “Morant’s health and a full return to play as soon as possible.” The team’s medical staff is working on a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.
NBA Community – On Twitter and other social media platforms, fans and former players alike posted supportive messages, ranging from “We’ve got you, Ja!” to “Take your time, health comes first.” Former NBA All‑Star Chris Paul, who played with Morant in 2020, wrote, “We’ve seen how much he can do for this team. We’re all rooting for a full recovery.”
League Response – The NBA’s official injury list was updated to reflect Morant’s status as “Out with an ACL injury.” The league’s injury committee confirmed that he is ineligible for the next 12 weeks, which is the standard period for ACL reconstruction and rehabilitation.
The Grizzlies’ Season Outlook
With Morant’s injury, the Grizzlies find themselves in a precarious position. The team had a 15‑2 record before the injury, sitting atop the Western Conference. Morant’s absence will force the Grizzlies to rely on the depth of their bench—particularly Nick Cunningham and Jalen Duren—and on the mid‑season acquisitions of Goran Dragic and Kyle Collins.
The coaching staff expressed cautious optimism. Taylor McKinnon said in a post‑game interview, “We’ll play the game we’re built for. If Ja’s not with us, we’re going to have to lean on the rest of the roster, but we have talent and we’re ready for that challenge.” He also emphasized the importance of ensuring Morant’s knee heals properly, warning that a rushed return could jeopardize his future.
The Grizzlies’ schedule over the next two months is dense, with back‑to‑back games and travel across the country. The injury has forced the team to reevaluate their rotation and potentially adjust their offensive schemes to compensate for Morant’s playmaking and scoring ability.
Historical Context and Morant’s Resilience
Ja Morant’s injury is not the first time he has faced adversity. In his rookie season, he endured a fractured finger that sidelined him for two weeks, yet he returned to lead the Grizzlies to their first playoff berth in six years. His quick return from that injury demonstrates his resilience and dedication to rehabilitation.
However, an ACL injury differs significantly from a finger fracture. The surgical and physical therapy process is lengthy and demanding. Historically, players with ACL injuries—such as Klay Thompson (who returned in 2020 after surgery) and DeMarcus Thompson (who missed an entire season in 2014)—often experience a decline in explosive performance, especially in vertical leaping and quick directional changes, which are critical for a player of Morant’s athletic profile.
The Broader NBA Injury Landscape
The Grizzlies’ misfortune underscores the broader injury concerns across the league. The NBA’s injury list at the time of Morant’s diagnosis highlighted several key players dealing with knee issues, including Stephen Curry (left knee tendinitis) and Luka Doncic (right knee arthroscopy). The league’s collective bargaining agreement has been adjusting medical protocols to better protect star athletes, but the physical demands of the NBA schedule—82 regular‑season games, extensive travel, and a high‑intensity competition—continue to test players’ durability.
What Comes Next?
The Grizzlies’ medical staff is expected to begin the ACL reconstruction surgery within the next 7–10 days, with a projected rehabilitation timeline of 6–9 months. Morant’s status for the remainder of the 2023‑24 season is effectively "out," and the Grizzlies are likely to make roster moves, such as signing a veteran guard to bolster the backcourt or negotiating short‑term contracts for depth.
Despite the uncertainty, the team and the fans remain hopeful. A recent interview with Morant, published in the NBA.com injury roundup, highlighted his commitment: “I’m going to be ready as soon as I can,” he said, “and I’ll be ready to help the team win.”
The Memphis faithful, who celebrated a thrilling season under the guidance of Morant, will now follow the road to recovery with a blend of worry and unwavering support. If the injury proves a temporary setback rather than a permanent career threat, Morant’s return could re‑energize the Grizzlies’ playoff push. If not, the franchise may need to rethink its strategy, perhaps prioritizing draft picks or exploring trades to maintain competitiveness.
In summary, Ja Morant’s ACL injury has sent a ripple through the NBA and, more specifically, the Memphis Grizzlies community. The injury’s severity, the impact on the team’s current trajectory, and the long‑term implications for Morant’s career make this a defining moment for the franchise. The coming weeks will reveal whether the young star’s resilience will overcome this setback and whether the Grizzlies can keep their playoff aspirations alive. Regardless of the outcome, the Memphis fans’ devotion remains steadfast, underscoring the unique bond between a player, a team, and its supporters.
Read the Full IBTimes UK Article at:
[ https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/ja-morants-latest-injury-sends-shock-wave-through-memphis-fans-concerned-if-he-can-stay-healthy-1755287 ]
