Ja Morant issues 'scary' warning for rivals ahead of 2024-25 NBA Season after tumultuous year - "That’s my main focus"
Last season, Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant was limited to only nine games. He missed the first 25 games of the campaign due to a suspension. He debuted on Dec. 19, but he was sidelined less than a month later after he injured his shoulder.
This season, Morant is primed for a huge comeback and the media is excited to know what his mentality is coming into the 2024-25 season. During the Grizzlies' Media Day, one reporter asked Morant if part of his motivation is to remind people of what he's capable of.
Here is what the Grizzlies guard said in response.
"Honestly, I'm not even worried about proving them wrong," Morant said. "Like I said, right now I'm happy and that's my main focus. I feel like a happy Ja is a scary Ja for a lot of people. So, as long as I stay happy and healthy it'll be a great season."
Prior to last season when Ja Morant played in only nine games, he was establishing himself as one of the league's fastest-rising young stars and the leader of the Memphis Grizzlies.
Without Morant, his team faltered in the standings, winning only 27 games which also resulted in them missing the postseason (27-55).
This was a disappointing result considering that the Grizzlies won 50 games or more in both seasons prior (56 wins in 2021-22, 51 wins in 2022-23). It also marked the first time that the Grizzlies missed the postseason since 2020.
With Morant set to return this year, the Grizzlies could be looking for another successful season that will hopefully culminate in a postseason berth.
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Ja Morant talks about the Grizzlies roster coming into the 2024-25 season
The Memphis Grizzlies did not make any blockbuster moves this past offseason. Aside from the addition of Zach Edey through the draft as well as the waiving and subsequent retirement of Derrick Rose, none of the roster moves that the front office made could be considered a major change.
Despite that, Ja Morant believes that the Grizzlies have a great collection of players. When asked by a reporter how he feels about this year's roster, he had nothing but praise for it.
"This is one of the best rosters we've had on paper, depth-wise," he said.
Morant said that looking at his squad gives him confidence and that he belives that they are not lacking in terms of depth in any of the five positions.
Next to Ja Morant as part of the Grizzlies' core are Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., who are both extremely capable players on either end of the court.
Outside of that, they have veteran defensive specialist Marcus Smart, versatile forwards Santi Aldama and Brandon Clarke, as well as shooter Luke Kennard as their role players.
They also have intriguing prospects like GG Jackson II, Scotty Pippen Jr., and rookie Zach Edey.
The current Grizzlies squad is still unproven and will face tough, championship-caliber opponents in the Western Conference. However, with a confident Ja Morant back leading the team, Memphis has a fighting chance.