3 reasons why Ja Morant's injury could be good for the Grizzlies

3 reasons why Ja Morant’s injury could be good for the Grizzlies originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Grizzlies playing without Ja Morant is nothing new.

The electrifying point guard has missed 100 games due to injury in his career and he’s set to miss more after suffering a UCL injury on Wednesday.

At face value, this is a huge blow for Memphis. Even with Ja Morant in trade talks, he’s their best player and the face of the franchise, for better or worse.

But it could be a blessing in disguise for the team and its future. Here’s why.

More opportunities for Cam Spencer and Cedric Coward

It’s no secret that Memphis has a couple of young prospects that are already paying dividends this year.

Cam Spencer, a second-year guard out of UConn, has been a sparkplug for the Grizzlies offense. He averages 12 points per game and boasts a 46% clip from the 3-point line. He’s been a big benefactor in games Morant is out and should continue to shine in his absence.

Coward, a rookie out of Washington St., has risen to one of the more reliable Memphis players. He averages 14 point and 6.4 rebounds per game. With Morant gone, more of the scoring responsibility will go to him.

Both Coward and Spencer will have more opportunities to develop as young players with Morant’s usage gone from the offense. It could increase their confidence and growth to fill bigger roles even when Morant returns.

The return of Ty Jerome and Scotty Pippen Jr.

While Ja gets nursed back to health, reinforcements are on the way for the Memphis backcourt.

Jerome, a big offseason signing for the Grizzlies, has not taken the floor yet this season. He suffered a calf strain in preseason but is nearing his return in the coming weeks.

Scotty Pippen Jr. also has hardly seen the floor this year after suffering from a left toe injury. He had surgery in October of 2025 and is expected to return in February.

MORE: How long is Ja Morant out? Grizzlies guard to miss significant time with UCL injury

Both those players can command an offense and generate baskets themselves or by setting up others. It’s what Memphis will need in Morant’s absence.

Less drama on the court

Morant, as talented as he is, is followed by the stench of controversy. Whether it’s the multiple gun-related suspensions or his outspoken father, the All-Star point guard dominates headlines for the wrong reasons.

It was just last week that a heated conversation between Morant and teammate Vince Williams was caught on camera.

Combine that with Morant being in trade rumors, all is not peaceful inside that locker room.

The Grizzlies obviously don’t want to be without their best player. But there are reasons to see why they could be better off with some of their younger pieces taking on bigger roles.

Morant will be out at least three weeks so Memphis will have plenty of time to see how the group responds.

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3 reasons why Ja Morant’s injury could be good for the Grizzlies

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