Nuggets HC gushes over Ja Morant’s impact on Grizzlies

Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins talks with guard Ja Morant (12) in the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Nuggets' Mike Malone gushes over Ja Morant's impact in return from suspension

By Jeff Smith | Last updated 12/29/23

Ja Morant not suiting up for the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday night against the Denver Nuggets is the first thing that hasn't gone right for the team since the star's return from a 25-game suspension. While the Grizzlies' four-game winning streak was snapped on the road in a 142-105 loss against Nikola Jokic and company, Morant's impact has been obvious, and the team is still unbeaten in games he's played since his return.

Not surprisingly, that impact was widely apparent to Nuggets head coach Mike Malone, who offered up an extremely lengthy and detailed breakdown of just how much the 24-year-old impacts the game. And for good measure, he also showed some love to Marcus Smart, as Ryan Blackburn of Mile High Sports detailed.

Michael Malone gave an extended answer on Memphis' turnaround over the last week. This is a group that he greatly respects, especially Ja Morant and Marcus Smart.

"I think, if you want to take away all of the basketball stuff, that team has hope."

Full Quote pic.twitter.com/9Tbahqgoe7
— Ryan Blackburn (@NBABlackburn) December 29, 2023

There's no question Malone came fully prepared for if Morant did play and has done plenty of homework on the young guard.

Not only are the Grizzlies 4-0 in the games Morant has played since his return, but he was named one of the NBA players of the week in his first stretch back. Morant has averaged 28.8 points, 8.5 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game while shooting 50.6% from the field.

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