Memphis Grizzlies explain Ja Morant minutes and rotation decisions

HOUSTON – When the final whistle sounded during Friday night's game between the Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets at Toyota Center, Grizzlies backup point guard Scotty Pippen Jr. had played more minutes than two-time All-Star Ja Morant.

Desmond Bane, who was limited to two minutes in the first quarter due to foul trouble, also played five more minutes than Morant.

Considering Morant is one of the NBA's best players, the decision was puzzling, but Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins added more context as to why Morant only played 24 minutes in the 128-108 loss.

Jenkins noted that Morant had only played in two of the five preseason games, so the Grizzlies had not yet fully unleashed him to where his minutes would be later in the season.

“We are working with him and the medical team on how we want to use him on this track now,” Jenkins said. “Obviously he was out for part of the pre-season so he got his legs and his conditioning back under control.”

Memphis played six games in nine days. Morant played 28 minutes in the season-opening win. Had the fourth quarter been closer, he probably would have finished somewhere near that total again on Friday.

“The game got out of control,” Jenkins said. “He probably could have played a few more minutes, but I just made the decision when I played back-to-back.”

Bane's minutes were higher than Morant's as he progressed further after four of the five preseason games. Pippen didn't miss the time either.

Memphis also introduces an offense that plays at a high tempo and demands a lot from the players. As for his conditioning, Morant said he was “good,” but also mentioned the fact that he only played a total of four games between the preseason and the regular season.

“Obviously it’s a process,” Morant said. “You have to be smart. You don't want to throw me in there for 36 minutes. God willing, nothing will happen, but you just have to be smart.”

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There were two moments in particular during Friday's game that impacted Morant's total minutes. In the second quarter, Morant asked Jenkins to leave the game to take a breather. Later in the game, Morant was supposed to sub for Bane, but the Grizzlies shooting guard scored two baskets in a row. Morant noticed that Bane was in a rhythm and didn't want to break it.

“I'm like, 'No, not Des,'” Morant told Jenkins.

Morant and Jenkins have both spoken about the growth of their relationship over the past five years they've been together in Memphis. Moments like Friday night are when that experience comes to fruition on the pitch.

“I can talk to the coach like a brother,” Morant said. “It’s just a matter of feeling.”

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at [email protected]. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.

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