Ja Morant had a tough season in the 2022-23 NBA, and to add insult to injury, he was not selected for any of the All-NBA teams. This lack of recognition has cost him a staggering $39 million due to a clause in his contract that would have granted him an additional 5% of the salary cap throughout his contract if he made an All-NBA team this year.
Despite missing out on a potential 30% cap deal, Morant’s earning potential is still substantial. He is set to earn $194 million over his five-year contract, with an estimated average annual value of $38.8 million. However, for NBA players, careers are short-lived, and maximizing earning potential is a top priority.
Throughout the regular season, Morant played in 61 games, averaging 26.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game. He shot 46.6% from the floor and 30.7% from the perimeter. Despite his impressive numbers, Morant faced some off-court issues during the season that led to a suspension by both the Memphis Grizzlies and the NBA. This, coupled with the Grizzlies’ inconsistent performance, may have contributed to his exclusion from the All-NBA teams.
Morant’s disappointment is understandable, as All-NBA selections are highly coveted and can greatly impact a player’s career trajectory. However, he remains a rising star in the league, and his potential earning power remains high. Moving forward, Morant will likely continue to work hard and strive for success both on and off the court.
The Invaluable Impact of Ja Morant on the Memphis Grizzlies
Despite Ja Morant’s recent suspension and nine-game absence, the Memphis Grizzlies managed to stay afloat, going 6-3 and even securing wins against the Golden State Warriors twice. However, Morant’s impact was undeniable in the postseason, where he led the Grizzlies to a win against the Minnesota Timberwolves and proved crucial to their success.
The Grizzlies ended the regular season with a 51-31 record and secured the second seed in the Western Conference standings, trailing only the Denver Nuggets (53-29). This gives them a home-court advantage until the Western Finals if they face the Nuggets. Memphis has shown resilience and depth, with a 20-5 record last season without Morant and a 10-8 record this season when he was absent. Despite their recent setbacks, the Grizzlies have a solid foundation to build upon in the seasons to come.
