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Memphis Grizzlies
Sep 9, 2025 7:47 AM EDT
The past two seasons have not been kind to Ja Morant. From a possible 164 regular-season games, Morant has only played 59 of them. That has led to him falling out of people’s lists of top point guards. Players like Tyrese Haliburton and Cade Cunningham have overtaken him.
During that time, the Memphis Grizzlies have also struggled to be consistent. They need a centerpiece to build around, and Morant is supposed to be that guy. Unfortunately, his injury history has led to people doubting him.
Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant drives against Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Apr 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) drives to the basket beside Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) in the third quarter during game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images — Source: Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The Grizzlies have been somewhat underwhelming over the past few years due to their persistent injury troubles. Their struggles led to Taylor Jenkins being ousted from his head coach position. Tuomas Iisalo is now the Grizzlies’ head coach, and he has the potential to shine with Morant.
With the struggles, some people have given up on Morant and his potential. He is only 25, so it will be a shame if people give up on him immediately. The 2025-26 season will be massive for Morant, and thankfully, he has a big supporter in the media.
Teague Still Believes In Morant Ahead Of The 2025-26 Season
The Grizzlies have a massive 2025-26 season coming up, and it will be up to Morant to live up to expectations and prove people wrong. They did not have the best season in the 2024-25 campaign, but it could look better in the following year.
This is a new-look Grizzlies roster, as they no longer have Desmond Bane. That might seem like a challenge for the Grizzlies, but it means Morant must step up even more with his contributions to the offensive side of the game.
Despite some of the issues the Grizzlies are facing, former NBA champion and NBA All-Star Jeff Teague has shown his belief in Morant and the Grizzlies.
“I don’t know if Ja Morant watches the show, but if he does, I’m a Ja Morant believer. I just feel like he knows how to win. He has some magic with that organization,” Teague says about Morant and the Memphis team.
“When they don’t have Ja, they are horrible. Ja is must-see TV. When he’s on the court, you’ve got to put him on ESPN for sure. The NBA is better when Ja Morant is healthy.”
“Memphis is a cool team to watch when Ja Morant is playing. When Ja is not playing, please don’t put Memphis on TV, and that’s no disrespect. He talks crazy, he’s competitive, bro, I like that.”
The Grizzlies Can Surprise People With Their Performance
Memphis is not the most popular team ahead of the 2025-26 season. With Morant as the star player alongside a reliable star like Jaren Jackson Jr., the team is in good hands. However, they must live up and surpass expectations because the Grizzlies have a tough road ahead.
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Iisalo has his work cut out for him, as he needs to lead this team to a good season. A healthy Morant can carve a path for the Grizzlies, but that is still up in the air. Morant has never been the healthiest player, as he regularly deals with injuries.
If he can be the familiar Morant who is explosive and a good leader, the Grizzlies could surprise people. However, it will be challenging, especially in the stacked Western Conference that is filled with contending teams. That will be challenging for Morant, but he can prove the critics wrong while proving Teague right.
About the author
NBA & WNBA Writer, Athlon Sports
Cholo is a lifelong basketball fan who aims to highlight sport through in-depth storytelling around the NBA and WNBA. He has written hundreds of stories since joining Athlon Sports in 2024.