Ja Morant didn't know what to expect.

Despite the local buzz created heading into Morant's annual youth basketball camp, the Memphis Grizzlies star was still surprised that approximately 650 kids showed up Saturday at the Memphis Sports & Events Center. To put that number in perspective, Morant's turnout just about doubled that of Indiana Pacers star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who had 325 kids show up to his basketball pro camp earlier this month.

Why would Morant be surprised at the showing?

"I plead the fifth on that one," Morant said.

Morant missed most of Grizzlies' game action during the past 15 months because of injuries and suspensions. He had pop-up events but didn't promote or host a camp like this one last summer.

During that quiet period, there were still signs that Morant's status as a Grizzlies star and one of the next potential faces of the NBA remained. Interest in his jersey and sneakers remain high, evident by the abundance of kids who sported Ja 1 shoes on Saturday and Morant ranking 11th in the NBA in jersey sales after playing just nine games.

"A camp like this, the turnout made it better to show how much support I still have and people are still fans of me," Morant said. "It's just one of those moments where you kind of look at yourself and be proud."

Many of the kids around Morant were still reserved in the early part of the day, but it's something he has gotten used to. He most recently hosted a basketball camp in Memphis at Lausanne Collegiate School in 2022, but Morant has spoken often about how the opportunity to build his own AAU program this year has shaped his relationship with kids.

Through the program, Morant has to do things like put a curfew on the kids the night before games and help them experience some of the things he wanted while coming up on the AAU circuit.

"I've signed autographs and took pictures before, but it's nothing like what my AAU team experience has brought to my life," Morant said.

Ja Morant injury update

Morant interacted with the kids in basketball activities, but he is still awaiting full clearance from his right shoulder surgery in January. Morant suffered a labral tear after playing just nine games. He's expected to be cleared in the next two weeks.

"I hate being around basketball and not being able to play," Morant said. "I don't got too much longer. I can wait to make sure I'm able to play and be cleared when the season comes."

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General Manager Ja Morant?

Point guards are often thought of as an extension of a coach on the floor, and that's how Morant is viewed in Memphis. Grizzlies coaches and teammates often highlight his IQ as one of his strengths. The idea of being a coach on the floor is something that Morant has previously embraced, but what about becoming a general manger?

The Grizzlies will be picking ninth in the NBA draft on Wednesday night (ESPN, ABC, 7 p.m.) Morant actually will be in New York at the time of the draft, but don't expect him to be in the green room. Many star NBA players have been outspoken about certain needs for their team, but don't expect Morant to put on his general manager hat. Outside of the college basketball players that Morant has a previous existing relationship with, he's not scouting guys until after their on the roster.

"I'm excited to see what happens," Morant said. "I know the internet is probably going to be going crazy, so I'm probably about to turn mine off."

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Ja Morant gives injury update as he waits to see Grizzlies' NBA draft