Watch: Ja Morant gets rousing reception as he makes first appearance at FedExForum since his suspension
Memphis Grizzlies star point guard Ja Morant has rejoined the Grizzlies following his eight-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the league.
On Monday (Mar. 20) night, Morant made his first appearance at the FedExForum since his suspension, as the Grizzlies took on Dallas. On his entrance, the star point guard immediately received a raucous standing ovation from the Memphis crowd. So it appears that there is no love lost between Grizzlies fans and Morant stemming from his off-court controversy.
Watch Ja Morant’s return to Memphis below:
Ja Morant gets an ovation from the crowd on his way to the court. https://t.co/bJDbSsLbeA
When will Ja Morant make his return to action?
As for when Morant will be able to suit up for the Memphis Grizzlies, it could be as soon as the next game. Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins spoke about Morant’s imminent return on Monday, highlighting the team’s Wednesday (Mar. 22) home matchup against Houston as his target return date:
"We're hopeful for Wednesday, so long as everything medically clears out," Jenkins said.
Jenkins added that Morant is ramping up his conditioning after being away from the team for two weeks:
"You can't simulate an NBA game, but you try to do the best you can. So trying to get as much full-court action as possible — that was the main goal,” Jenkins continued.
As for how Grizzlies players responded to the return of their star, Jenkins said that Morant received a warm welcome back:
"The reception was great. Everyone welcomed him with open arms. Excited to have him back,” Jenkins said.
Memphis (44-27, second in the West) went 5-3 during Morant’s eight-game suspension. Overall, the Grizzlies are 10-8 without Morant this season. Morant is averaging 27.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 1.1 steals per game on 46.3% shooting through 53 games.
Also read: "Adversity is gonna bring the best out of you"- Tyler Jenkins reveals Grizzlies are hyped for Ja Morant's return