Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies was asked at the conclusion of squad USA’s training camp how his squad would handle the first 25 games of the upcoming season without Ja Morant. Although Memphis is not quite accustomed to having its best player out for the first 25 games, the Grizzlies are aware of the difficulty they confront.
Morant has lost time during the past few seasons due to a variety of injuries, but the Grizzlies have frequently found a way to survive or even improve in his absence. The Grizzlies have a chance to shock many people at the start of the following season if they learn from this experience.
As per ESPN’s Tim Bontemps Jackson said “We just gotta navigate it,” “Obviously, we know that not having Ja is a real big hole to fill, but, you know, he’s not, it’s not like he’s not gonna be around. He’s gonna give us all the tools to be able to get that done.”
Jackson Jr expects Marcus Smart to step up in Ja’s absence
Until the team’s talisman is able to return to the floor, Smart will be expected to step in for Morant as the starting point guard and take over Brooks’ position as the team’s best perimeter defender.
Jackson claimed that he has already spoken with Smart and that he is eager to see what the league’s Defensive Player of the Year can do for Memphis in the upcoming campaign.
Jackson said about Smart: “I texted him already. It’s great to have someone like that who can play both ends, who’s been in a championship environment. We know what he brings to a team, that passion, that heart, and he knows a lot about the game as well. His mind is gonna be working great for the locker room, all that type of stuff. So, great addition.”
The Grizzlies have improved their ability to deal with Morant’s ban by making some nice offseason signings. The Grizzlies have some point guard depth with to the additions of Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose, and they also have guards like Desmond Bane and Luke Kennard who can handle the ball when necessary.
The Grizzlies are prepared to take on the first 25 games of the 2019 season, even though it won’t be simple.