The End of the Ja Morant Era: Why Memphis Must Move On Now

Just a few years ago, Ja Morant was the NBA’s shining beacon of hope—a dynamic, high-flying guard who seemed destined for superstardom.

Analysts and commentators alike were certain he would become the face of the league.

“Can Ja Morant be the next big star? Absolutely,” many said.

His combination of skill, charisma, and hometown hero status in Memphis made him a perfect candidate to lead the NBA into the future.

Morant’s breakout moment came in 2022 during the playoffs against the Golden State Warriors.

In Game 2, he exploded for 47 points, carrying Memphis to a thrilling victory and tying the series.

Fans and analysts alike were captivated; Morant’s star was shining brighter than ever.

At that point, he was not only an All-Star but also a legitimate MVP candidate, with Memphis riding high on a franchise-best 56-win season.

But since that peak, Morant’s career has stagnated and even regressed.

Injuries have plagued him—nagging issues like finger injuries, pulled muscles, and shoulder troubles have kept him off the court more often than not.

Over the past three seasons, he has rarely played more than 60 games, a troubling statistic for a franchise cornerstone.

In 2025, he managed just 50 games; the previous year, only nine games due to a combination of suspension and injury.

The Memphis Grizzlies have felt the impact deeply.

Once a Western Conference contender, the team now looks uninspired and sluggish, struggling to find rhythm and chemistry.

Their recent playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder was a painful reminder of how far they’ve fallen.

The Thunder, energized and cohesive, dismantled Memphis with ease, delivering the largest Game 1 playoff win in NBA history—131 to 80.

The supposed “big three” of Memphis—Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane—may not even be together next season.

Speculation runs rampant about which star might be traded, and many insiders point to Morant as the most likely to depart.

The primary reason? Availability and consistency.

For a franchise player, being on the court is the baseline requirement.

Morant’s string of minor but persistent injuries disrupt the team’s flow and development.

Beyond health, Morant’s game itself has notable flaws.

Defense has long been considered a weak point, but more glaring is his inconsistent jump shot.

Over the years, his shooting percentages from mid-range and beyond the arc have declined.

During the recent playoffs, his shooting was abysmal, with multiple air balls and missed opportunities.

This lack of a reliable perimeter shot limits his offensive versatility and makes him easier to defend.

Morant’s style—relying heavily on driving to the basket—has brought highlight-reel dunks and acrobatic finishes, but it also exacts a physical toll.

His slender frame takes frequent hits, and as he ages, this wear and tear could worsen, further threatening his durability.

Comparisons with other young guards highlight Morant’s struggles.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA), once overshadowed by Morant, has surged ahead.

SGA is more efficient, a better shooter, and plays sound defense.

His offensive rating dwarfs Morant’s, and he has proven to be a more reliable and durable presence on the court.

While Morant dazzles with flash, SGA delivers consistent production and leadership.

For Memphis, the cold reality is that Morant is not a championship-caliber player in his current state.

While he can win games and excite fans, the goal of winning a title demands more—availability, efficiency, leadership, and a well-rounded game.

Holding on to Morant as the franchise cornerstone may mean settling for mediocrity.

The NBA is stacked with young talent at the guard position.

Players like Cade Cunningham, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, and others drafted after Morant have already surpassed him in impact and consistency.

In two years, Morant may no longer even be an All-Star, given the depth of competition.

The Memphis fanbase faces a tough decision.

Do they continue to hold onto a player whose best days seem behind him, or do they trade Morant while his value remains relatively high?

The latter may be the prudent path if the franchise truly wants to contend for a championship.

Ultimately, the Ja Morant era appears to be coming to an end.

The dazzling highlights and viral moments that once defined his career are now overshadowed by injuries, inconsistency, and unmet expectations.

The league has moved on, and so too must Memphis.

For Grizzlies fans, it’s a bitter pill to swallow.

Morant’s journey from overlooked prospect to NBA superstar was inspiring, but the harsh realities of professional sports are unforgiving.

If the franchise aims to build a contender, it may be time to turn the page.

The decision isn’t just about basketball—it’s about the future identity of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Will they cling to nostalgia and hope, or embrace change and chart a new course?

The answer will shape the team and the city for years to come.

As the 2025 season closes, one thing is clear: the Ja Morant era, once bright and promising, is officially over.