The suspension almost certainly means that Morant will not be eligible for any end-of-season awards in 2024, such as MVP and All-NBA. Under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement that goes into effect July 1, a player must appear in 65 games (with limited exceptions) to be eligible for awards.
I know it could have been worse, but this is significant enough, however If the Grizzlies can survive and be a good position for those 25 games, then it could be a blessing in disguise for them having the best player heavily refreshed with 25 games gone already could put them in better spot for a potential post season run.
Good thing Memphis has good role players on their lineup. I think even when Morant was out last season, they are still on the winning side of the team rank. So missing him for 25 games may not have much effect on the team considering that Morant will continue to be in top shape even when suspended. It will be bad if Morant loses his shape during his suspension and will have a hard time coming back after the 25-game suspension. The team should make sure that Morant is not slacking off during those time so that he is still game ready when the suspension is over.
As he explained to ESPN's Malika Andrews, he left the Finals MVP trophy in the room of longtime Nuggets equipment manager Sparky Gonzales.
Who will not love this guy? Down to earth. Not pretending. So honest. Funny.
I believe he is going to get one more ring, maybe two if the roster will be intact, without injuries. As I said in my previous posts, Jamal Murray will be one of the key ingredients for another championship. Hopefully, their management won't break that duo.
The team is very young and healthy. This duo can start a dynasty if the team will not break them. They are in their prime and Jokic's game is very effective in today's NBA. As long as the management will keep on surrounding these two with good role players, they will dominate the league.
Remember when Jamal was injured, Jokic was still able to carry the team to the playoffs. Now that Jamal is healthy, and hopefully, he will stay healthy, he will be a great help to Jokic to keep on winning. As long as the team does not make drastic changes, they can continue winning. The only thing that I see that could probably break this duo and their success is the salary ceiling. When these two get max contract, it will be hard for the team to surround them with good role players.