Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant to have season-ending shoulder surgery
Ja Morant will miss the remainder of the Memphis Grizzlies season due to a labral tear in his right shoulder, the team announced on Monday.
Morant suffered the injury during Saturday's training session after a win on Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers. He was ruled out of Sunday's game against the Phoenix Suns due to right shoulder soreness. After further evaluation, it was determined that he'll undergo surgery and miss the remainder of the season.
Morant is expected to make a full recovery ahead of the 2024-25 season. This is a blow for a Grizzlies team that is trying to fight its way into play-in contention. He averaged 25.1 points and 8.1 assists in nine games played after returning from a 25-game suspension. Memphis (13-23) went 6-3 with Morant in the lineup.
The @memgrizz announced the following medical update: pic.twitter.com/Cr7xKj1Wm4
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) January 9, 2024
The Grizzlies are coming off their best win of the season without Morant, beating a Suns team that featured three of its star players.
Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart will be relied on to carry a major load. Luke Kennard, Santi Aldama and Vince Williams Jr. also are crucial role players who will need to play big.
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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Ja Morant injury update: Grizzlies star's season over with shoulder surgery