The Memphis Grizzlies have high hopes for the upcoming NBA season, and it all hinges on one man: Ja Morant. Can the electrifying point guard unlock his full potential and lead his team to championship glory? We dive into the crucial steps Morant must take to turn the Grizzlies into serious contenders. What do you think he needs to do most?

The Memphis Grizzlies concluded their 2024-25 NBA campaign with a respectable 48-34 record, though their postseason journey ended prematurely with a first-round exit against the formidable Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite a polarizing season that saw a coaching change with Taylor Jenkins’ departure and Tuomas Iisalo’s arrival, the franchise harbors significant aspirations, largely banking on the resurgence and leadership of its star guard, Ja Morant.

Undeniably, the weight of the Grizzlies’ aspirations rests squarely on the shoulders of Ja Morant. The 26-year-old point guard possesses an electrifying blend of athleticism, playmaking ability, and scoring prowess that, when fully unleashed, can single-handedly elevate a team. His capacity to dictate game flow and create opportunities for both himself and his teammates makes him the undisputed focal point of Memphis’s offensive and defensive strategies.

The most critical factor in Morant’s ability to transform the Memphis Grizzlies into genuine NBA title contenders is his availability. Recent seasons have been marred by injuries, with the two-time All-Star playing just nine games in 2023-24 and only 50 in the subsequent year, with his playoff run similarly cut short. For the team to achieve its potential in the 2025-26 NBA season, Morant must navigate the schedule with minimal injury concerns, as his prolonged absence significantly cripples the squad’s competitive edge.

When healthy and playing consistent minutes, Morant’s impact is undeniable. In the 30 games last season where he logged over 30 minutes, he showcased elite production, averaging 25.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, all while maintaining a solid 45.3% field goal percentage. This statistical output underscores his profound influence on the court and highlights the team’s desperate need for his sustained presence in the lineup.

Beyond health, Morant’s evolution as a player hinges on improving his perimeter shooting. Throughout his six-year NBA career, he has averaged just 31.6% from beyond the arc on 4.3 attempts per game. For the Grizzlies’ future success, especially in a competitive Western Conference, Morant must elevate this percentage. Becoming a more consistent three-point threat would not only expand his personal offensive arsenal but also open up driving lanes and create more spacing for his teammates, making the entire offense more dynamic.

The recent trade of Desmond Bane, a reliable scorer who consistently averaged over 18 points per game in the last four seasons, leaves a significant offensive void for the Memphis Grizzlies. This move places substantially more offensive responsibility on both Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., who must now be prepared to carry the scoring load without a third established offensive star. Morant, in particular, must embrace this heightened role to ensure the team’s offensive efficiency.

During the Grizzlies’ most successful recent seasons, when they secured back-to-back No. 2 seeds in the West, Morant’s offensive aggression was evident, as he averaged 20.6 and 19.9 field goal attempts per game, respectively. However, last season saw a drop to 17.8 shots per game. To compensate for Bane’s absence and to genuinely push the Grizzlies toward the top of the conference, Morant simply needs to increase his offensive volume and look to score more frequently, potentially pushing his scoring average to over 30 points per game.

Ultimately, the blueprint for the Memphis Grizzlies to ascend to NBA title contenders is multifaceted but undeniably centered on Ja Morant. By prioritizing his health, developing a more consistent three-point shot, and embracing a greater offensive burden, Morant possesses the raw talent and leadership qualities to achieve All-NBA First Team recognition and guide his team to the upper echelons of the Western Conference. His journey back to peak performance is the franchise’s most vital storyline.