Ja Morant didn’t play in the Memphis Grizzlies’ first two preseason games, as he is nursing an ankle injury that he sustained during a practice last week. During a recent charity event, the two-time NBA All-Star told his supporters not to worry.
“They just be tweakin’. Panicking. Nothing to be crazy about. If I’m smiling and I ain’t telling you to worry, you ain’t got to worry,” Morant stated via The Memphis Commercial Appeal’s Damichael Cole.
Memphis Grizzlies fans were worried because Morant has been absent for many games in the past two seasons due to injuries and suspension. In 2024-25, the high-flying point guard made only 50 regular season starts, averaging 23.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.2 steals on 45.4 percent shooting.
Morant then injured his hip after a hard fall in the second quarter of Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He didn’t play in Game 4, and the Memphis Grizzlies exited the first round on a sweep.
Memphis Grizzlies News: Jaylen Wells primed for a larger role after encouraging preseason showing
One of the reasons why the Memphis Grizzlies were confident to make the Desmond Bane trade is that they expect bigger things from sophomore guard Jaylen Wells. The former 39th overall pick fared well in the team’s second preseason match against the Boston Celtics, notching 21 points and three assists on 6-for-9 shooting in 24 minutes.
“Overall, I think he’s on a very nice growth trajectory,” head coach Tuomas Iisalo said about Wells. “He’s being asked to be a secondary handler in our offense right now, and he’s doing a pretty good job with it — like today, when he’s more assertive and finds his spots. I’m very happy with his development.”
“You have more responsibility in your hands, which I think is great for him,” Santi Aldama added. “He’s been super aggressive, which we really need him to be, and he has to deliver the right pass. I think he’s capable of it.”
