Without the influence of a leader, most teams fall. The story came to haunt the Memphis Grizzlies last season. Ja Morant, the prophetic savior of the franchise first missed 25 games in the season due to his suspension. In the following nine-game stretch, the Grizzlies went on a roll, winning six games. Then another hit. Morant went down for the season with a shoulder injury that required surgery. The expressive guard never got the time to prove himself. Now, he is itching to make things right.

Critics have often been behind Morant. His antics have hurt the Grizzlies on multiple occasions and his behavior has come under question. Stephen A. Smith reprimanded him for “not thinking about his teammates” during his controversial off-court activities. Several others have blasted him for his actions. In these times, it’s easy to go into a shell. The 25 year old though wants to rise. On the court, it’s about realigning himself. The new beginning will also be marked by a fresh signature sneaker with Nike, who helped Morant send a striking message.

“When the lights are off, when the critics are loud when I have every reason to give in, I get up,” Morant posted the message on his Instagram.

It’s proof of his hard-rock mentality. Despite the adversity that was cast over him, Ja Morant isn’t one to stay down. It’s been a story since his high school days. At 6’3″ and skinny by appearance, a vivacious and brave-hearted player like Morant was unranked. Murray State found him, and the two-time All-Star let his talent do the talking from that point. Even amidst the Zion Williamson Duke hype, Morant’s name flirted as the top pick for certain analysts.

His presence on the floor is undeniable. His NBA journey has been about making the Grizzlies great again. Prior to him, they were dwindling at the bottom stakes. As Morant emerged, excitement set itself back into the avid fans of the club. Next season he returns healthy, but the concerns remain.

After two suspensions and a reality check, Morant has realized his importance to the franchise. Now mature, he acknowledges how his off-court decisions can severely harm those around him. He vowed to “being the best Ja I can be” when reflecting on his suspension. And by the looks of it, he is invested in flipping the narrative that has thus far damaged his reputation.

And he isn’t the only one returning.

Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies can revive

Morant is the most colossal force on the Grizzlies. However, he wasn’t the only notable absence from the team last season. Desmond Bane, the second-leading scorer behind him played just 42 games. A defensive stalwart and playmaker Marcus Smart suffered a myriad of injuries limiting him to only 20 games. All of them boast the same drive as Morant to revive the Grizzlies.

With a healthy roster, the Grizzlies are a team that can compete for the title. In the past three seasons, they finished second in the West with all their components healthy for the majority of the season. That’s the benchmark they expect to meet again during the 24-25 season, with all the impact makers returning.

Richard Jefferson put the NBA community notice about them recently. “This is a loaded roster that just needed to get healthy,” he said while warning the league of their resurgence.

As an offense, Ja Morant brings unmatched creativity with his multidimensional skillset. His atomic athleticism and acrobatic finishing improve their floor spacing where a formidable threat such as Bane wreaks havoc. JJJ has long cemented himself as a versatile defender and provides grit and purpose to the defense. Moreover, with a towering giant Zach Edey also a part of the defensive unit, they have great balance.

With the Memphis Grizzlies, it has always been about cohesion. When one strikes, a ripple effect follows. With valuable veterans such as Smart and even Brandon Clarke making a sound recovery, the franchise is rejuvenated. Reclaiming their spot as contenders in ample motivation. And as a collective, they stand the strongest.

The West is a lot more challenging to crack through. However, the Grizzlies are resilient. Expect them to charge back with fierce intensity and shake up the NBA this coming season.