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Projected No. 2 overall pick Ja Morant expected to miss 3-4 weeks after undergoing knee scope

Ever since they jumped up to the No. 2 pick in the upcoming NBA draft, the Memphis Grizzlies have been “locked in” on Murray State point guard Ja Morant.

An elite athlete with outstanding vision, Morant looks like the league’s next great point guard, although he has a small road bump ahead. Sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Saturday that Morant is expected to undergo minor surgery on his right knee.

As oxymoronic as a minor surgery sounds, scopes are among the least invasive procedures one can have on a major joint. According to OrthoInfo.org, a scope is a procedure that “allows doctors to view the knee joint without making a large incision (cut) through the skin and other soft tissues.”

The Grizzlies have even less reason to be concerned since Morant has not faced major injuries in the past, especially on his knee. While he had a quick scare in the second round of the NCAA Tournament with a knee-to-knee collision, he stayed in the game and went on to score 28 points.

With such a short recovery estimate — Summer League doesn’t start until July 5 — Morant likely wouldn’t have to miss anything beyond a perfectly healthy walk to the podium at the draft.

In the unlikely event that Morant’s surgery would scare off Memphis, the Grizzlies would likely target Duke’s R.J. Barrett.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MAY 16: Ja Morant speaks with the media during Day One of the NBA Draft Combine at Quest MultiSport Complex on May 16, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Ja Morant is expected to be selected by the Grizzlies with the No. 2 pick in the NBA draft. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

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