Morant shut down for the season due to elbow injury

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – The Memphis Grizzlies have announced that Ja Morant will be out for the season due to a UCL sprain in his left elbow.

On Tuesday night, the Grizzlies stated that Morant will undergo a platelet-rich plasma injection to assist with his recovery. They anticipate Morant will be fully healed in time for the next season.

This season, Morant, a 6-foot-2 guard in his seventh year from Murray State, only played in 20 games for the Grizzlies. He averaged 19.5 points, his lowest since his second season in the league. This early end to the 26-year-old’s season is consistent with his injury struggles, as he has only played in 79 games over the last three seasons.

In late January, Morant sprained his elbow after returning from a two-week absence due to calf soreness.

Drafted second in 2019 after Zion Williamson, Morant quickly became a standout player for the Grizzlies with his highlight-reel plays.

He dazzled fans with his dunks over tall centers, evaded defenders with his agile moves, made precise passes, and even showcased his shot-blocking abilities by pinning the ball on the backboard. His outstanding performances earned him the Rookie of the Year award in 2020 and the Most Improved Player award in 2022.