Grizzlies’ Ja Morant gets tough advice from Charles Barkley over injuries

I Morant is intent on showing fans why he is arguably the hottest player in the NBA today. Unfortunately, that unofficial honor may be the only one he gets during the regular season. The Memphis Grizzlies point guard missed Friday’s win against the San Antonio Spurs with foot soreness. It was the 18th time he was inactive in a game, making him ineligible to earn an All-NBA selection in 2024-25.

Beyond the immediate implications of the injury problems, which are obviously disappointing, there are growing concerns about Morant’s durability. His eye-popping athleticism and agility delight legions of hoops fans as he puts poster after poster on his opponents. Is the 25-year-old a sustainable and relentless style of play? Charles Barclay don’t think so.

The Hall of Fame forward believes Morant must curb it a little to avoid continuous wear and tear. “My only concern with him is he’s a little too reckless for me,” Barkley said on “Inside the NBA” before the Grizzlies faced the Minnesota Timberwolves on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. “He can’t run into those big bodies like that because he’s going to get hurt.” … He needs to stop trying to nail people.”

Morant seems to be aware of the risk, as he stated that he was done with dunks earlier in the season. However, it is difficult to reinvent yourself. The 2022 All-NBA Second Team selection and two-time All-Star only knows one gear, and that’s full throttle. He attacks the rim fearlessly and is ready to bulldoze his way past and through anyone in his path. Not even a whistle could stop him flying over 7-foot-3 Victor Vembanyama.

Although, between awe-inspiring feats and great games, Ja Morant spends a significant amount of time riding the pine. He has endured a series of ailments in his first six NBA seasons, leaving fans to wonder how long No. 12 will be able to maintain top form. Barkley and others believe Morant should make a business decision and be more cautious when on the court.

Expecting this dynamic talent to occasionally resist his impulses, however, is pretty much necessary. He will do his best to keep his basketball identity intact while making himself available to the Grizzlies.