Injured but invaluable, Ja Morant coaches from the sideline, his engagement fueling Grizzlies' unexpected comeback and a renewed sense of purpose.
The Memphis Grizzlies spent a month fighting off speculation about their direction, their chemistry and the future of their franchise centerpiece. Yet on Sunday night in Sacramento, before the team fell to 9–13 two days later in San Antonio, the sideline energy offered a rare moment of stability.
As Zach Edey powered Memphis to a win over the Kings with 32 points and 17 rebounds, Morant never stopped moving. The injured guard stood in every huddle, talked through coverages, engaged constantly with head coach Tuomas Iisalo and encouraged teammates from start to finish. It was a sharp contrast to the frustration that defined his early season.
Iisalo, navigating his first full campaign after replacing Taylor Jenkins, said Morant’s involvement has become an advantage.
“He’s … asking stuff of me and giving some tips there for the guys,” Iisalo said.
The coach added that Morant’s communication set the tone throughout the night.
“Overall, really good communication, really good leadership, both from him and also from Jaren (Jackson Jr.) and our veteran guys,” he said.
Morant’s sideline presence came after a month when the relationship appeared fragile. He was suspended by the team after criticizing the new system on Oct. 31, then drew backlash for trash-talking Klay Thompson. A calf injury followed two weeks later. Combined with a slow return to form, rival teams began wondering whether Memphis was preparing for a break.
Sunday suggested otherwise. Jackson, who signed a five-year, $240 million deal over the summer, said the role Morant has adopted during his absence has helped a roster reshaped by injuries and adjustments.
“He’s a coach right now,” Jackson said.
Jackson went deeper, pointing to Morant’s feel as a playmaker.
“He just says what he’s seeing, talking us through things,” he said.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope said Morant’s presence has been felt across the bench.
“(Morant’s support) has been good,” Caldwell-Pope said.
He expanded on how Morant has impacted younger guards.
“He’s been cheering the team on, helping the young guys out as far as the point guard position,” he said. “I think he’s doing a great job at it.”
The Grizzlies’ record remains underwhelming, and Tuesday’s loss in San Antonio underlined the volatility of the season. But a stretch of five wins in six games before that defeat gave Memphis enough traction to reenter the Western Conference chase. With the bottom half of the standings wide open, even a 9–13 start leaves the team within striking distance of playoff positioning.
Iisalo credited persistence amid constant adversity.
“Guys have just put their heads down, (keep) working from day to day,” Iisalo said.
He reflected on the group’s mindset after the Kings win.
“That … brings a lot of belief in the work that we’re doing, and there’s a purpose to it,” he said.
Jackson said the early panic around their start never matched the internal view.
“We have a new coach and a new system,” Jackson said. “You’re going to have some growing pains with that.”
When asked whether he believed the group could grow into a contender when healthy, Jackson didn’t hesitate.
“The vision is there,” he said.
He walked away humming the “Game of Thrones” theme, pausing to offer one last message.
“Winter is coming,” he said.
For a franchise that spent a month under scrutiny, the meaning was impossible to miss. Morant is still engaged. The room is still together. And Memphis, even at 9–13, may yet find its footing.