"Adversity is gonna bring the best out of you"- Tyler Jenkins reveals Grizzlies are hyped for Ja Morant's return
Ja Morant has spent time away from the team due to his actions that have caused him to get into trouble with the league. Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins, who has done a great job in keeping the team intact while their star is away, recently shared their excitement regarding the star's return.
In a recent interview, Jenkins shared how the team has handled Morant's absence.
"Adversity is gonna bring the best out of you and you can control is your work and your mentality," Jenkins said. "What the group's done in his absence has been phenomenal. From a defensive standpoint, offensive standpoint, execution standpoint, togetherness-standpoint. That's obviously our expectation with Ja.
"I think this is going to be a seamless reintegration. We know how important he is to us. He knows how importnant his teammates are to him. So, it's gonna be one day at a time. ... Whatever struggles come our way, we've gotta ride together to get through it."
Taylor Jenkins on Ja Morant coming back with the team finding a groove: https://t.co/r2RIwd4GsD
Over the past week, the NBA announced that Morant has been suspended for eight games without pay. This was sparked by Morant going on an Instagram live showing off a handgun earlier this month. The team was in Denver at the time, and there were many questions about how he was able to gain access to a gun while on the road.
According to recent reports, Morant is expected to return to the lineup this week. The earliest for his return would be on Wednesday, when Memphis takes on the Houston Rockets. They are in the top three in the Western Conference standings with a 43-27 record.
Ja Morant could make his return to the Grizzlies lineup as soon as Wednesday, per @ShamsCharania https://t.co/tyIdBPJsjt
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Winning without Ja Morant isn't new to the Grizzlies
Coach Jenkins has always integrated a team-oriented system since taking over the Grizzlies in 2019. That's why, even without their star point guard, the team has managed to get a decent amount of wins.
Last season, Ja Morant only played 57 games. During the games he missed, the team had a great winning record, despite not having its best player. Without Morant, Memphis went 21-5, making the Grizzlies one of the most dangerous matchups for some teams.
The Grizzlies were able to utilize Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane and even Dillon Brooks to carry the offense. Additionally, on the defensive end, Jackson and Steven Adams left a huge impact, making it tough for other teams to score on them.
It's been a similar case for the team this season. Even without Ja Morant, the team has been able to get a good number of wins and have maintained their spot in the top of the West.
Also read: “[Ja Morant] has a chance to be the American face of the NBA” – Brian Windhorst sheds light on 2x All-Star’s market value