Ja Morant watched Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. raise their play to another level during his suspension, but the Grizzlies still need Morant to take over games in clutch time, writes Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal. Cole notes that when Morant returned to the team, he talked to coach Taylor Jenkins about how he could alter his game so he wouldn’t take anything away from Bane and Jackson.
Morant is averaging 22.5 points and 7.3 assists since he resumed playing while shooting 43% from the floor and 20% from three-point range. Cole points out that all those numbers are below Morant’s averages for the season and observes that his tendency to overdribble may come from trying to figure out his new role in the offense.
“For me, it’s getting used to pretty much not being the main option,” Morant said. “Just finding my spots. We got Jaren and Des who have took over that role for us. For me, just getting them the ball and then when I get my chance, just take it.”
There’s more from the Southwest Division:
- The Mavericks‘ postseason hopes are in jeopardy after Sunday’s loss in Atlanta wrapped up a 1-4 road trip, notes Eddie Sefko of Mavs.com. At 37-42, Dallas is a game behind the 10th-place Thunder and will need some help to reach the play-in tournament. “We know the situation we’re in,” coach Jason Kidd said. “We’re playing catch-up. And we got to find a way to win. Right now, we’re coming up short. We need to win games and unfortunately we’re not winning right now.”
- The Mavericks may have larger concerns in the offseason because their franchise player, Luka Doncic, appears so “despondent,” Howard Beck of Sports Illustrated says in a podcast with Chris Mannix (video link). Doncic hasn’t jelled with Kyrie Irving since he was acquired in February, and Dallas faces the unpleasant choice of giving Irving a huge contract in free agency or having Doncic play next season with a below-average roster.
- Kelly Iko of The Athletic addresses the Rockets‘ coaching situation, suggesting it’s not certain that Stephen Silas will be replaced after the season ends. He says it’s possible Silas will be brought back for another year with more veterans on the roster, although the front office will explore other options such as Ime Udoka, Frank Vogel or Nick Nurse if he becomes available.
Doncic is despondent because he is for the first time ever playing with a legit established point guard and has to move over to allow Kyrie to run it.
He has never played on a team whoms offense was not centered around him and only him.
He does not know how to play two man basketball, nor how to do any of the misdirection or dirty work that comes with the NBA.
I attacked this aspect of his game ahead of the Super Max he got.
He is no good if he is not running things from the middle or having things run for him 70 percent of the time. His defense is non existent as well.
He has no way nor any desire to adjust to anything other than what we have seen.
They were in decent shape until Kyrie showed up. No responsibility on Kyrie? Just Doncic is the problem?
@jerbear honestly just discredit that whole guys novel because he referred to kyrie as a pg lol. Kyrie has never once in his career ran a successful offense. Kyrie is a shot maker thats simply it. Horrible defender horrible passer does not know how to play basketball. Great 1 on 1 player but thats not basketball.
I mean… Luka’s defensive troubles are well documented. His offense usually glosses over any issues here… but when you lose like they have been it’s obviously going to stand out more.
This team is in trouble. Either they tie themselves to Kyrie for a max contract and hope him and Luka can work together…. Or they let Kyrie walk and don’t really have the resources to put a decent roster around Luka.
I smell a Doncic trade request coming in 2023-24
Irving has never been a true point guard, and almost always doubles as a SG the same as Lillard, and Curry.
To think he and Doncic can’t play together, or that is the reason Dallas isn’t winning is the dumbest thought, and narrative I’ve ever heard.
They traded the bulk of their defense in DFS, and didn’t replace it. This is just stupid to think that Dallas was a contender after the deadline.
Irving had James, Curry had Green, Lillard had no-one…
And now Irving has Doncic. Its a start, but the playoffs were thrown out the window in early February by trading 2 starters for 1.
DUH!
With trades, and many teams without cap Dallas will make some changes in the off-season. They might trade Doncic, and not Sign Irving… Who knows?
I don’t really see a way forward for the Mavs. They have no significant cap space, draft capital or tradeable assets. What’s worse, letting Kyrie walk or signing him? They are probably screwed either way.
Not good to see Dallas situation. I never seemed to really feel Kyrie had a lot. Seemed good some ways but not others. Was not crazy about them taking him. But am sure a contender or such would be where Kyrie wanted to go.
Silas for the Rockets needs to go. He may stay as they may want to see what can do if had more experience in his line up.Now would Silas have fit if still had Harden and Westbrook. He cannot seem to really mesh now. I know Silas has been an assistant for a long while. They may give him the chance with more veterans like Harden or Westbrook with the team to lead the youngsters. I have nothing against Silas but feel to go forward you need a Veteran coach with NBA stamina. I feel Silas is still learning. But a fourth year of uncertainty with this team. I like how John Lucas is more with the team over Silas. I want to win and not keep losing and feel a stronger coaching staff to guide and lead this team forward. Myself do not want Harden or Westbrook back but used them as examples. Even with talk of Harden wanting to return. But Silas has a non guaranteed year left so they might take it for one more chance if we get you players that can really get team going and blend in with Green, Alparen, and others
Rockets need a defensive minded coach to push these young kids to learn defense. This team is at the bottom of the defensive spectrum