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USA Today via Reuters
Dec 26, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) smiles at a fan as the end of regulation against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-12-27T053934Z_30784671_MT1USATODAY22176862_RTRMADP_3_NBA-MEMPHIS-GRIZZLIES-AT-NEW-ORLEANS-PELICANS.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 26, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) smiles at a fan as the end of regulation against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
The 2023-24 season has been one of the worst seasons for former Rookie of the Year star Ja Morant. He was suspended for 25 games in June and finally made the much-anticipated comeback on 19th December against the New Orleans Pelicans. He contributed 34 points, six rebounds, and eight assists, registering a 115-113 win for the Grizzlies.
However, just as soon as he was back, Ja suffered a season-ending shoulder injury that will have him miss the remainder of the season. Battling with the injury and coming to terms with his reality, Ja, fortunately, has captured sweet memories with his daughter on the hardwood that will help him get through the tough times.
Ja Morant finds solace in his fatherhood
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Feeding his nostalgia, Ja recently took to X to reshare a heartwarming clip showing a father-daughter moment with his four-year-old daughter Kaari Jaidyn Morant. In the short video, we see Ja in his Grizzlies jersey, holding Kaari in his arms as he stands on the hardwood where the Grizzlies had just played a game against the Raptors. Ja’s love for his daughter can be felt through the screen as he dotingly looks at her and kisses her on the cheek. He quoted the clip with a blue heart emoji.
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) January 28, 2024
Kaari is no stranger to Grizzlies fans, who took a quick liking to the adorable girl after she started going to games to support her dad. Not only does Ja share a special bond with his Kaari, but she is also adored by his teammates who enjoy her company. Having to miss the remainder of the season, one can’t blame Ja for looking back on better days with his daughter on the court.
Light at the end of the tunnel for Ja
Ja Morant injured his right shoulder during practice on the 6th, while prepping for the Suns game the next day. The injury turned out to be severe as an MRI scan revealed a labral tear in the right shoulder. He underwent a successful surgery, which would require him to sit out for the remainder of the season. Probably the only silver lining for Ja is that the league granted the Grizzlies a $12.4m Disabled Player Exception for him.
The NBA has granted the Memphis Grizzlies a $12.4M Disabled Player Exception for the season-ending injury to Ja Morant, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 24, 2024
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This will make a huge difference as Ja has already lost roughly $7.6m as a result of the 25-game suspension. The 24-year-old point guard has played only nine games this season averaging 25.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 8.1 assists. Without their star player, Memphis will now have to find a way to survive the season.
Read More- Is Ja Morant a More Impactful Leader Than Luka Doncic?
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Do you think that the Grizzlies stand a chance to make it to the playoffs without Ja Morant? Let us know in the comments below!