Grizzlies hopeful for Ja Morant's presence at team facility during suspension / News - Basketnews.com

Coach Taylor Jenkins is optimistic about Ja Morant's team engagement during his 25-game suspension: "Our hope is that he can be around the team as much as possible. But there's more dialogue [with the NBA] to be had."

Credit: AFP – Scanpix Credit AFP – Scanpix

Memphis Grizzlies will start their new NBA campaign without their biggest star. Ja Morant is set to miss the first 25 games of the 2023-24 regular season due to his involvement in a second gun-related incident.

Ja Morant

Position:PGAge:24Height:190 cmWeight:79 kgBirth place:South Carolina, United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

During a break at the recent National Basketball Coaches Association meetings in Chicago, Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins discussed the upcoming season and Morant's situation with Steve Aschburner of NBA.com.

As for whether Ja Morant will be allowed at the team's facility for workouts and practices during his suspension, Jenkins explained, "There are still details being figured out. Our anticipation, our hope is that he can be around the team as much as possible. But there's more dialogue [with the NBA] to be had."

Losing Morant for at least the first 25 games can be frustrating, but Jenkins acknowledged that they faced a similar situation back in March.

"We always talk about our standard as a team. It's not about one individual," Jenkins underlined. "Obviously, Ja being out for 25 games, he and I and the other players and [GM Zach Kleiman] have talked about what that's going to look like.

"But nothing's going to change about being prepared. Everyone on the roster, Ja included, when his time comes to get back with the group, has got to stay ready. Just like the other 17 guys, whether you're in the rotation, not in the rotation, or dealing with an injury – it's a 'next-man-up' mentality.

"That's easier said than done. But if you look at our team over the last two years, guys have missed significant amounts of time for various reasons. We talk about the standard that we play at, and how we work every single day."

NBA commissioner Adam Silver's stance on Morant's situation is clear: Morant's actions, even if he hasn't been charged with a crime, have serious consequences.

This is especially important given the general issue of gun violence in the country, and Morant, as one of the league's most popular players, is seen as a role model by people of all ages.

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