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[Saba Sports News] A humiliating playoff sweep has pushed the Memphis Grizzlies to reevaluate everything—including Ja Morant’s future with the team.
Following Morant’s injury ahead of Game 4, the Grizzlies appeared surprisingly competitive without him. That sparked debate about whether Morant still holds elite status in the league.
“I don’t hear anyone around the league—GMs, execs, scouts—calling Ja a top-10 player when he’s healthy anymore,” ESPN’s Tim MacMahon said on The Hoop Collective podcast.
That’s a notable shift in perception for a player once considered among the NBA’s most electric point guards. Morant’s athleticism, late-game shot-making, and flashy playmaking once made him a must-watch star.
But in recent seasons, that “killer instinct” seems to have faded. While injuries have played a role, some insiders believe opponents have started to figure him out—particularly his unreliable outside shooting. Defenders are increasingly content to let him fire from distance, and his offensive game hasn’t expanded enough to counter that.
Morant’s relentless drives to the rim, though thrilling, have also contributed to his injury woes. A more well-rounded offensive skill set might help him stay healthier—and more effective.
The situation has only gotten more complicated since the surprising firing of head coach Taylor Jenkins. Injuries and instability have derailed the team’s momentum, and the 51-point loss in Game 3 was a low point. Ironically, their most competitive performances came without Morant on the floor—a troubling sign for a player once seen as the franchise cornerstone.
Now, Memphis faces major decisions this offseason. One of them involves Jaren Jackson Jr., who is eligible for a five-year supermax extension. If the Grizzlies commit that kind of money to Jackson, it could signal a shift in their long-term vision—possibly pushing Morant toward the periphery.
Though Morant remains under contract, these developments raise questions about whether the organization still views him as the centerpiece.
With the team slipping from the No. 2 seed to the No. 8 spot under Jenkins, serious internal reflection is already underway. Morant’s role and value will be at the heart of that process. The Grizzlies will have to weigh the pros and cons—and decide if he’s still the player to build around moving forward.