The Memphis Grizzlies are placing their postseason future precariously on the performance and health of Ja Morant, relying heavily on their star guard amid ongoing uncertainty. As of mid-2025, the team’s strategy hinges on Morant’s return to peak form and the complementary support of Jaren Jackson Jr., with cautious optimism clouded by frequent setbacks and lineup questions.

Memphis’ High-Stakes Bet on Morant and Jackson Jr.

Entering the 2025 NBA season, the Grizzlies have doubled down on the dynamic duo of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., despite a rocky off-season that saw the departure of key contributor Desmond Bane. Trading Bane to the Orlando Magic in exchange for multiple first-round picks reflected Memphis’ willingness to gamble on a future guided by Morant’s breakout potential—though skepticism remains widespread.

Ja Morant’s journey with Memphis has been marked by interruptions including injuries, suspensions, and unpredictable performance, prompting commentators to describe the team’s reliance on him as fragile. Rob Mahoney captured this uneasy feeling succinctly:

“cross your fingers, pray for rain, and believe in Ja Morant.”

He further noted,

“I think it’s been harder to rely on Ja as a star than almost any other star in the league over the last couple of years.”

Although Morant’s presence energizes the team uniquely, his inconsistencies have made the Grizzlies’ ambitions fragile.

Despite the risks, Memphis holds faith that their two young stars can elevate the franchise beyond its current standing.

“I don’t blame the Grizzlies for believing in that,”

Mahoney acknowledged, referring to the hope invested in Morant and Jackson Jr. This belief drives Memphis to reject tanking and instead pursue a competitive path, even as the Western Conference remains stacked with contenders.

Offseason Moves Raise Questions About Supporting Cast

Memphis’ offseason maneuvers have sparked debate. The team signed veteran wing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to add experience, though his long-term impact is uncertain. Mahoney questioned,

“How much does KCP have left?”

casting doubt on whether Caldwell-Pope’s presence will genuinely strengthen the Grizzlies’ championship bid or simply offer short-term depth.

Additionally, the team reportedly has interest in acquiring younger talent, with Zach LaVine emerging as a potential target to complement Morant’s scoring. LaVine’s recent performances with the Kings, averaging 22.4 points per game and shooting nearly 45% from beyond the arc, make him an attractive option. Yet, as noted by analyst Zach Lowe, the Grizzlies’ playoff viability is tightly linked to Morant’s ascendancy:

“If Ja Morant is never going to be a top 10 to 12 player again, they’re never going to—it’s just not going to happen with this team.”

Influence of Emerging Players and Locker Room Grit

Amid the focus on star power, the Grizzlies are also counting on lesser-known players to maintain competitiveness. Cedric Coward, an undrafted player, has become a distinctive figure embodying Memphis’ gritty style. His relentless work ethic and perseverance resonate around the team, exemplified in his statement,

“Success is not just about talent; it’s about the grind you put in every day.”

Coward’s rise from obscurity to a key contributor symbolizes the team’s hope to find value beyond marquee names.

However, concerns linger about how certain role players translate their regular season production to crucial moments. Mahoney pointed out the inconsistency of Ty Jerome’s performance in the playoffs, asking,

“Is Ty Jerome the guy we saw in the regular season hit every single contested shot? Or is he the guy we saw in the playoffs not do that over and over again?”

With so many uncertainties, Coward’s steady presence could prove instrumental if he exceeds expectations.

Morant’s Cryptic Social Media Posts Reflect Team’s Uncertainty

Adding to the team‘s tense atmosphere is Ja Morant’s recent ambiguous social media activity. Quoting Rod Wave’s song Moving On, Morant posted,

“don’t cry for me when the war is over.”

This cryptic message has fueled speculation about Morant’s mindset and readiness, leaving fans and analysts unsettled about what lies ahead. It might be no exaggeration to say Memphis is living a reality where the phrase It’s Complicated perfectly describes their star’s standing.

Evaluating Jaren Jackson Jr.’s Role and Limitations

Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson Jr. is expected to maximize what he can contribute offensively without projecting into superstar territory overnight. Zach Lowe summarized his scope plainly:

“It feels like [Jaren Jackson Jr.] is just kind of maximizing what he can do offensively.”

This implies that while Jackson Jr. offers solid production, the Grizzlies cannot rely on him alone to break through deep playoff rounds.

Current Outlook: A Season Balanced on Narrow Margins

Given the uncertainties encompassing Morant’s health and form, Jackson Jr.’s ceiling, and supporting players’ contributions, Memphis faces a razor-thin margin for error. The Western Conference features relentless competition, with teams like Oklahoma City and San Antonio improving steadily. Memphis’ playoff hopes are suspended between optimism and risk, hinging on a variable-heavy formula.

Zach Lowe captured the delicate balance succinctly:

“It’s just—it’s murky to me unless Coward just hits bigger and faster than people think on the Ja-Jaren timeline.”

The success of role players like Coward in accelerating team chemistry and output could be pivotal as the Grizzlies push their chips in with Morant at the helm.

Ultimately, the Grizzlies have chosen a path marked by faith in their young stars rather than rebuilding through tanking. If Ja Morant regains his All-Star form, Memphis could emerge as an underrated threat in the playoffs, challenging expectations. Conversely, failure to do so might leave the season mired in fragility and frustration, as the gamble’s stakes become painfully clear.

As the season unfolds, Memphis’ journey will likely be shaped by the resilience and fortunes of Ja Morant, a player whose impact remains as electrifying as it is unpredictable in a franchise desperate for sustained success.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Did Ja Morant delete Instagram?

A. Last week, Morant turned off his Instagram and X accounts. On Tuesday, he talked about why he’s stepping back from social media. “I really dislike being on there,” Morant explained. “The only reason I’m still using it is because of endorsements and things I need to share. Honestly, I don’t want to be on social media.”

Q. Did Nike remove Ja Morant shoes?

A. Nike took down the newest Ja 1 sneaker, called the “Hunger” colorway, from their website. The Memphis Grizzlies suspended the player on May 14 because he was seen on Instagram Live showing what looked like a gun for the second time this year. In 2019, he had signed a multiyear contract with Nike.