The Memphis Grizzlies announced that Ja Morant, the guard, will undergo surgery on his right shoulder, ending his season.
The 24-year-old experienced a subluxation of his right shoulder during a training session on Saturday. An MRI later disclosed an underlying labral tear, as reported by the Grizzlies.
Morant sustained his injury during a practice session on Saturday, according to the Grizzlies. He was seen wearing a sling during the team’s game against Phoenix on Sunday. Subsequently, the severity of the issue was disclosed a day later.
“Following ongoing soreness and instability, Morant underwent an MRI that revealed an underlying labral tear,” the Grizzlies said.
“Morant will undergo season-ending surgery and is expected to make a full recovery ahead of the 2024-25 season,” the team added.
Following an incident where Morant displayed a firearm in a car during a live-streamed video, the NBA suspended him for the initial 25 games of the season. Upon his return, he played nine games, averaging 25.1 points, and the Grizzlies secured a 6-3 record in those matches.
Morant scored 25.1 points and 8.1 assists in his nine games for the Grizzlies this season.
The Grizzlies have struggled with a 7-20 record in games played without Morant this season. They currently stand four and a half games behind the final play-in spot in the Western Conference. With their best player sidelined for the remainder of the season, the previously feasible playoff push becomes notably more challenging.
The Grizzlies have encountered another injury setback, compounding their challenges after already losing a few crucial players. Starting center Steven Adams underwent season-ending knee surgery before the 2023-24 season, while reserve big man Brandon Clarke is still in the process of recuperating from an Achilles tear sustained last season.
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