Memphis Grizzlies All-Star guard Ja Morant is putting in early work in preparation for the 2024-25 NBA season. He hit the gym to do light on-court training and strength and conditioning as he showed off his tattoos.
The 25-year-old former Murray State standout shared on Instagram story his training session with his team, where he did some scrimmage and weight training.
Ja Morant was limited to just nine games last season, as he sat out the first 25 to serve a lenghty league-imposed suspension for off-court issues in the prior campaign. He was eventually shelved after suffering a right shoulder injury.
During his time with the team, the Grizzlies went 6-3, with the 2019 second overall pick compiling averages of 25.1 points, 8.1 assists and 5.6 rebounds in 35.3 minutes.
Memphis ended its campaign with a 27-55 record, good only for 13th in the Western Conference as it missed the playoffs for the first time in four seasons.
Ja Morant close to full fitness after shoulder injury
Ja Morant working on his game and conditioning is indication that he’s close to being fully healthy after suffering a shoulder injury shortly after his return from a league-imposed suspension earlier this year.
The two-time NBA All-Star himself shared the news of his recovery in a post on X, formerly Twitter, last month:
Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins also spoke about thedevelopment, expressing his excitement for the return of Ja Morant, who they missed in their last campaign, ahead of the 2024-25 season.
The coach told ABC Memphis:
“It’s been released out there. Ja, it’s go time. So very encouraged, medically cleared, full go, crossed the hurdle. He’s been phenomenal with his rehab. Now it’s full go basketball with him with all contact.”Now it’s been more on the body, getting that back in the right spot. But now he’s full go basketball-wise. We can dive into his basketball plan.”
Morant injured his right shoulder while doing a routine arm motion to loosen up and get ready for a shootaround. He said he heard something pop, which was later ruled as a labral tear, requiring surgery and forcing him to miss the rest of the season.
Without their All-Star guard, the Grizzlies mightily struggled, which Morant said was tough for him, as he wanted to help his team, which was already severely hit by injuries before he was shut down.
Now back healthy, Morant hopes to lead the Grizzlies back to league contention and return to the high-caliber level of play he has become known for since being drafted second overall five years ago.
