Morant’s return unlikely to solve the Grizzlies’ problems

The approaching return of Ja Morant may give Memphis Grizzlies followers trigger for hope, nonetheless the All-Star degree guard is unlikely to keep away from losing the crew’s disappointing season. 

Via Monday’s video video games, Memphis is 6-16 and thirteenth throughout the Western Conference, six video video games behind the Pelicans (13-11) for the last word play-in occasion spot and 7.5 video video games behind the Lakers (14-9) for the last word assured playoff spot. 

Morant, who was suspended for “conduct detrimental to the league” in June, would possibly return Dec. 19 in the direction of the Pelicans, per ESPN.com. Morant is probably going one of many league’s most interesting and most entertaining players, nonetheless the causes for Memphis’ struggles go properly previous his absence. 

Rebounding is a major concern — the Grizzlies rank twenty fifth in rebounds with 41.5 per recreation. This can be attributed to starting center Steven Adams missing the entire season following knee surgery. 

Brandon Clarke is probably going one of many league’s most interesting backup services, nonetheless he has however to play whereas rehabbing from an Achilles injury suffered in March. 

In November, Memphis signed Bismack Biyombo to change their two services. He has carried out OK, averaging 5.9 elements and 6.7 rebounds, nonetheless he isn’t a starting-caliber participant. 

In June, Memphis traded for Marcus Good to ease the blow of Morant’s suspension, nonetheless that deal has however to pan out.