Grizzlies' Ja Morant Cleared for Basketball Activities Amid Shoulder Injury Rehab

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant has been cleared to resume all basketball activities after undergoing shoulder surgery in January.

Morant sent out a cryptic three-word tweet Tuesday that was later confirmed to be about his playing status, according to Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

Morant, 24, was limited to nine games last season after serving a 25-game suspension for his off-court conduct and suffering the shoulder injury briefly following his return. He averaged 25.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 8.1 assists during his short stint on the floor last season, remaining one of the most dynamic playmakers in the sport.

The Grizzlies struggled greatly with Morant out of the lineup, posting a 27-55 record and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019-20. Memphis selected Purdue center Zach Edey with its first-round pick after landing at No. 9 in the draft lottery.

Morant was far from the only Grizzlies player undone last season by injuries. Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart, Brandon Clarke and Luke Kennard all missed at least 40 games. All four players are expected to be healthy for the start of the 2024-25 regular season.

The Grizzlies still have room under the first tax apron and could look to add a veteran free agent in the $8-10 million range, but they've been quiet in July thus far. It seems the front office is satisfied with bringing the roster back and hoping better health leads to a vast improvement.