Grizzlies make notable decision on Ja Morant ahead of return from suspension

Feb 12, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies are ready to throw Ja Morant right back in there.

Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins told reporters on Tuesday that Morant will immediately be re-inserted into the starting lineup for that night’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans.

“Go out there and have fun,” said Jenkins of his message for Morant, per Tim MacMahon of ESPN.

Tuesday marks the first game that the two-time All-Star guard Morant is eligible to play in this season. He was forced to sit out of Memphis’ first 25 games after being suspended by the league over the offseason for another gun-flashing incident.

The Grizzlies have badly stumbled in Morant’s absence, going 6-19 (tied for the fourth-worst record in the NBA). Extended injury absences by Morant’s anticipated fill-ins Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose certainly haven’t helped Memphis’ cause either.

As such, tossing Morant right back into the starting five may be a necessity-based move by the Grizzlies. But it is at least good news for basketball fans, who can look forward to Morant moving past all of the off-court issues and producing more of his customary extraterrestrial highlights.