Ja Morant, the Memphis Grizzlies' standout, began last season serving a 25-game suspension. The Grizzlies suffered terribly during his absence, but when he returned, they seemed to take on a new energy.
This began with Morant's game-winning shot in his first game back, but the enthusiasm lasted only nine games before Morant was sidelined for the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury.
Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies standout, recently spoke on TNT's Inside the NBA and was open about the impact of Morant's injury.
"That was a bad day," Jackson explained. "My blood pressure was higher. I wasn't feeling well that day. There wasn't much to say, but that's part of the game.
Sometimes you make mistakes and things happen, but injuries are an unpleasant aspect of the game. I have been there. He'd never experienced an injury like it.
He handled it really nicely. He remained a voice. He never ceased exercising... I am proud of him for that."
Jackson noted that Morant's injury is now something the Grizzlies can put behind them, as the top point guard is slated to return at the start of next season.
Last season was a disaster for the Grizzlies' health, as not only did Morant miss the most of the season, but several other key players also missed significant periods of time.
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