The case for the Memphis Grizzlies as a title contender feels much more dismissive than when they had battled the eventual NBA champions Golden State Warriors in the 2022 Western Conference Semi-Final. The main difference between those two rosters is their extensive depth and understated experience. These days the Grizzlies can beat teams in many ways and re-invent themselves on the fly. They’ve been in the top ten in net rating since January 1 and lead the league in points per game.
Unfair claims of lack of experience and proper execution in crunch time have cautioned experts about Memphis’s title chances. However, the Grizzlies won’t truly establish themselves as conference contenders, let alone championship contenders, until the volume scorer version of Ja Morant returns.
The Grizzlies Need Ja Morant To Be A Volume Scorer
Critique a Grizzlies offense that ranks sixth in offensive rating seems uncandid. Much of the skepticism surrounding their contention chances stems from viewers’ nostalgic attachment to the volume scorer version of Morant.
Morant is averaging just 20.9 points on 43.3 FG%. Surprisingly, his 16.4 field goal attempts per game are on pace to be the second fewest attempts of his career. The Grizzlies are 3-7 this season when Morant attempts 20 or more shots. Two of those wins occurred within the past week in wins against the Orlando Magic and the Phoenix Suns. In both contests, Morant was undoubtedly the Grizzlies’ go-to closer. Despite a down year usage-wise, the Grizzlies haven’t depended on Morant as much as they have in the past.
The 25-year-old is currently on a four-game streak of scoring at least 20 points. This is his first streak of at least three games doing so since December 7th-15th. With an immense depth chart and the improved level of play from Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane, Morant now enjoys a luxury not every star point guard gets. Missing almost two years of regular season basketball has played a factor in Morant’s selflessness this year. Opponents have also gotten more film and tape on him as an offensive engine and scorer, thus making it easier to focus on his deficiencies.
Morant’s Advanced Offense
Morant isn’t the most polished jump-shooter, even though he’ll have stretches in a vibrant rhythm. Opponents’ main objective when scouting the guard is to keep him out of the paint. Coverages will go under on his screens and force him to beat them with his jumpshot. Maximizing Morant as a scorer has been a bit of a challenge this season, considering his availability. On the other hand, Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins hasn’t had to force feed Morant with the Grizzlies’ success rate on offense this year.
Some of Morant’s advanced offense metrics are slightly concerning as the playoffs draw closer. His drives towards the rim have taken an uptick since the All-Star break. He’s shooting 44.7 FG% on drives since the break and has shot the fifth most free-throw attempts amongst all players (30 qualified) with at least 50 drives. Of all players since the All-Star break who’ve attempted at least 20 pull-up jump-shot FGAs (55 qualified players), Morant is shooting 23.1 FG% which is second worst.
Maximizing Morant In Half-Court
The pick and roll is one of Morant’s most dynamic sets. The simple action almost seamlessly gives him a clearway to the basket. His patented floater in the lane is a go to shot for him when he’s heading downhill to keep defenders honest. His 26.4 frequency percentage is relatively low for someone who can routinely display offensive and athletic gifts in that specific set. It’s no secret Morant has had challenges stringing together consistent performances. That kept coaches from voting him to the Western Conference All-Star team.
Morant is perfect from the free throw line across 30 attempts over his last four games. He’s also 4/29 from deep in that same span. Some additional pick and pop sets with Jackson Jr. may add the supplemental space that Morant can utilize to exploit opponents in lane gaps to the rack. Jackson Jr.’s three-point prowess and growth as a scorer will force coverages to shade over to him off the roll. Morant as a scorer has remained aggressive despite his sporadic shot making efficiency. Morant has the fifth highest free throw frequency amongst all players with at least 100 possessions in isolation (33 qualified players).
The Last Word On Ja Morant Needing To Be A Volume Scorer
The Grizzlies are a great team. They play both sides of the floor, have plenty of depth, and have a plethora of multi-role shooters, defenders, and playmakers who continue to complement each other. Morant’s availability and game-to-game scoring efficiency have been undermining factors in the Grizzlies’ offense this season. But he is the only factor that can make this an “elite” team.
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