Ja Morant (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
The Memphis Grizzlies are exploring potential guard additions as they navigate a wave of early-season injuries impacting their backcourt, RG.org has learned from league sources.
The front office is assessing both internal and external candidates as the team looks to stabilize its rotation while Ja Morant, Scotty Pippen Jr., and Ty Jerome recover from injuries. Among the possibilities, the Grizzlies are monitoring potential buy-low options that could become available as teams finalize their rosters before opening night, sources said.
There are veteran guards on the market, but with a full allotment of standard contracts already in place, one realistic path would involve adding another player on a two-way deal. Memphis would first need to waive one of its current two-way players — PJ Hall, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, or Javon Small.
Morant Progressing, but Backcourt Depth Tested
Head coach Tuomas Iisalo said Friday that Morant is “progressing really well” from the left ankle sprain he suffered during an Oct. 5 practice. The All-Star guard participated in the team’s morning shootaround ahead of their preseason finale in Miami but did not play.
“Ja continues to work with our group,” Iisalo told reporters. “He’s ramping up well, but we’ll keep being cautious.”
Morant has not played in the preseason, though he has expressed confidence that he will be available for the opener. Injuries and suspensions have limited him to just 59 games over the past two seasons, making his health a major focus as Memphis looks to rebound from last year’s first-round sweep by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
More Setbacks for Pippen Jr. and Jerome
The Grizzlies announced Saturday that Pippen will undergo a sesamoidectomy to address a left big toe issue, sidelining him for approximately three months. The team said he is expected to make a full recovery following the procedure.
Meanwhile, Jerome sustained a right calf injury in Friday’s 141–125 win over the Heat, leaving after four minutes of play. He will be evaluated further this weekend. Jerome joined Memphis on a three-year deal this offseason and was projected to play a key role in the second unit behind Morant.
With both Pippen and Jerome potentially sidelined to start the season, the Grizzlies are thin at guard, especially if Morant’s return timeline extends into the first week of play.
Javon Small Steps up as Options Open
The Grizzlies do have internal options. Two-way guard Javon Small has made the most of his preseason opportunity. Over four games, the 21-year-old averaged 10.8 points, 4.8 assists, and 1.8 rebounds while shooting 44.7% from the field and 52.9% from three. His standout performances included 18 points and eight assists against Charlotte and 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting in Friday’s win over Miami.
While the front office continues evaluating external options, Small’s emergence has provided a temporary boost and could help buy time as the team awaits reinforcements. Regardless, additional depth could become necessary to acquire depending on the severity of Jerome’s injury after evaluation.
Memphis opens its season Wednesday night at home against the New Orleans Pelicans.