Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant is making a change in an effort to prioritize his health. He is no longer doing highlight-reel dunks.
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Morant provided this revelation after a 121-116 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. He faced questions about his decision to opt for a basic, two-handed dunk during the second quarter of the game. Morant explained that his focus is on trying to do what he can for his team and trying to get 100% healthy.
"Sometimes I get knocked out the air and (a foul) don't get called, and now I'm out longer than what I'm supposed to be," Morant said, per ESPN.
"Sometimes the foul might get called. I still hit the floor, but after the game, you might feel that little fall. So I just pick and choose, man. Hey, two points is two points. I get it done. That's all that matters."
Morant, the second-overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, has delivered big moments throughout his career. Many of these moments have featured him flying through the air and dunking the basketball.
Personally I'm very glad Ja Morant decided to dunk again this season. pic.twitter.com/aNadar9KjL
— Jessica Benson (@jessbensontv) November 29, 2024
Morant won Rookie of the Year and he was named All-Star two times. He was named Most Improved for the 2021-22 NBA season.
Morant has also missed a considerable amount of time in his brief career. He missed time last season with a shoulder injury and then he missed a game during the playoffs with a hand injury.
Morant missed several games this season with thigh and hip issues. The Grizzlies guard has also missed time due to injuries to his ankles, back, and knees.
With Morant focusing less on these wild dunks, he will have an opportunity to get fully healthy. This will be key for the 14-8 Grizzlies considering that he is second on the team with an average of 22.0 points per game. Only Jaren Jackson Jr. is ahead of him with an average of 22.1 points per game.
Of course, scaling back on the dunks will have one consequence. The fans will show their displeasure, as they did Tuesday night during the Mavericks game.
"Hey, I'm fine with that," Morant added. "Continue to boo me. Hey, I got two points. It was still a dunk. It was just not the dunk they wanted to see."
