There’s an increasingly positive update regarding the health of the Memphis Grizzlies’ roster. Wednesday saw the highly anticipated return of Marcus Smart to the hardwood following a six-game absence. Team members Vince Williams and Desmond Bane are also expected to rejoin the lineup soon. Upon their return, the only player the Grizzlies will be missing from their initial preseason starting lineup is star point guard, Ja Morant.
Morant is currently grappling with a right hip subluxation and pelvic muscle strains, both of which have him sidelined on a week-to-week basis. He can be seen moving around with the aid of crutches as he voyages with the team on their ongoing three-game away stretch. A recent update from the coaching staff suggests Morant’s condition is on the mend, even though he currently restrains from engaging in any basketball activities that could apply pressure on his hip.
An orthopedic expert elaborated on the nature of Morant’s injury, describing the hip as ‘a highly stable joint’. A considerable amount of power is necessary to cause a subluxation of the hip, which was the injury Morant incurred while executing an alley-oop pass. Landing forcefully on his right side facilitated the partial displacement of his hip joint.
This was a partial dislocation or subluxation, not a complete one as the ball of the joint managed to relocate f itself spontaneously. The injury Morant suffered is not a typical one to witness in sports, its occurrence being inherently uncommon. Physical sports like football might occasionally see such injuries, but their incidence in basketball is even scarcer.
The risk of exacerbating the injury is relatively low, but a hasty return might instigate a ‘slight vulnerability’ according to specialists. Therefore, the initial course of action is to allow the injured area to recover fully. As the pain subsides, the process of increasing hip mobility will kick off. Concurrently, discontinuing the usage of crutches and conducting more extensive diagnostic testing is also expected.
Understanding and dealing with hip subluxations can be quite subjective, and thus the recovery timeline will depend on Morant’s personal progress. The rate at which his hip recovers as he resumes walking and light jogging can determine the stress it can endure. Following this, a series of tests and court drills will be implemented to analyze his hip’s response.
As per various reports, the recovery period for such an injury could range anywhere from three to six weeks. In addition, Morant is dealing with Grade 1 pelvic muscle strains. Surprisingly, this particular injury may have been a blessing in disguise, possibly having prevented a worse outcome for Morant’s season.
Despite the strain to the stabilizing muscles, there was no tearing or complete break. The result was that the hip joint did not suffer a complete dislocation. Morant has now been out of action for a week, temporarily affecting the team’s dynamic.
The depth of the Grizzlies’ squad has been a key factor in coping with this challenging period without their two-time All-Star Morant. Nonetheless, the team eagerly awaits his return, which is crucial for the fulfillment of their broader ambitions. Morant’s progress will be monitored, with particular anticipation placed on the moment he no longer requires crutches for support.
The subsequent phase in Morant’s recovery process will involve a series of tests, providing assurances that he is indeed ready for his comeback. The initial aim is to get him past the stage of enduring pain. Regardless of the challenges, the team, the fans, and undoubtedly Morant himself look forward to seeing the talented point guard back in action.