The recent news of star point guard Ja Morant’s injury and subsequent surgery for a torn labrum has left the Memphis Grizzlies in a difficult position. With their playoff hopes dashed, the team must now navigate the rest of the season without their primary playmaker. In the world of fantasy basketball, Morant’s absence poses a similar challenge for managers who drafted him. However, it is important to consider the impact this injury will have on the rest of the Grizzlies’ roster and identify any potential fantasy contributors in his absence.
The Memphis Grizzlies had a rough start to the season as they played their first 25 games without Ja Morant due to a suspension. During that time, the team went 6-19, highlighting their heavy reliance on their young star. While there is no denying the impact of Morant’s absence, it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and fill the void.
One player who could benefit from Morant’s absence is Marcus Smart. Although Smart missed 17 games this season due to a left foot sprain, he has recently showcased his scoring ability with 53 points in the past two games. With an expected increase in usage, Smart presents an intriguing option for fantasy managers, especially considering his availability in 31% of ESPN leagues.
Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. have shouldered much of the offensive load for the Grizzlies this season, especially during Morant’s initial suspension. Bane, in particular, has been a reliable fantasy option with an average of 42.9 fantasy points per game. However, his performance did not see a significant improvement when Morant was absent. While Bane remains a top-30 fantasy option in points leagues, it may not be necessary to trade for him following Morant’s injury.
On the other hand, Jaren Jackson Jr.’s performance has been a cause for concern. Despite averaging a career-high 21.3 points per game, his rebounds and blocks are significantly down from last season when he won the league’s Defensive Player of the Year award. Given the Grizzlies’ non-contending status, there is a possibility that Jackson’s playing time could be limited in the second half of the season to avoid the risk of injury. This makes him a potential trade candidate in redraft formats.
Outside of Bane and Jackson, the pickings are slim when it comes to relevant fantasy options on the Grizzlies’ roster. Santi Aldama showed promise in November but has since fallen off. Xavier Tillman has struggled with his shooting percentages this season, and Bismack Biyombo is only on the team due to injuries to Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke. Additionally, Derrick Rose is currently dealing with a thigh injury, further limiting the Grizzlies’ depth at the point guard position.
Among the readily available Grizzlies’ players, Vince Williams Jr. stands out as an interesting prospect. While statistics may not fully capture his impact, Williams’ recent performance of 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks in a win over the Phoenix Suns shows his potential. However, it is worth noting that Williams’ shooting percentages have been inconsistent, and he would need to show improvement to gain the attention of fantasy managers.
Prior to his injury, Ja Morant was putting up impressive numbers with averages of 25.1 points and 8.1 assists per game, translating to 45.3 fantasy points overall. These statistics place him among the top players in fantasy basketball this season. In fact, only 22 players have averaged 45 fantasy points per game. As managers navigate the fallout from Morant’s injury, it is clear that finding a direct replacement is nearly impossible.
Unfortunately, Ja Morant is not the only point guard dealing with a significant injury. Chris Paul of the Golden State Warriors fractured his left hand and will be out for at least a month. Additionally, Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain and his return timeline is uncertain. Both players were fantasy assets prior to their injuries, and it is crucial for managers to adapt their strategies accordingly.
In the absence of Morant and other injured point guards, fantasy managers may need to explore alternative options to fill the void. Malik Monk, Kris Dunn, Scoot Henderson, and T.J. McConnell are all viable choices for managers in category formats seeking assistance with assists. These players have demonstrated their ability to contribute in that category over the past 30 days. Additionally, Andrew Nembhard and Bruce Brown present sleeper options who could potentially take on point guard responsibilities and accrue assists.
The injury to Ja Morant undoubtedly poses challenges for the Memphis Grizzlies and fantasy managers alike. However, with adversity comes opportunity. Players like Marcus Smart, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. have the potential to step up and contribute in Morant’s absence. Moreover, the injuries to other point guards in the league open up avenues for managers to explore alternative options and take calculated risks on sleepers. By carefully analyzing the Grizzlies’ roster and monitoring the ever-changing landscape of fantasy basketball, managers can navigate the fallout from Morant’s injury and continue to compete at a high level.
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