Ja Morant refuses to dunk to protect his health
- Ja Morant has decided to limit his dunking this season to avoid injuries.
- He has expressed that falls from dunking can lead to extended time out if fouls are not called.
- Despite some fans booing his decision, Morant is focused on his health and scoring points in any way.
In the United States, during a post-game interview following the Memphis Grizzlies' loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday, guard Ja Morant addressed his decision to limit his dunk attempts this season. Known for his explosive athleticism, Morant acknowledged that he is strategically choosing not to dunk as frequently, citing concerns over his safety and the potential for injuries. He indicated that his experiences of falling after contact in the air can lead to more serious issues down the line, as he has faced significant injuries before. Morant's history in the league has shown that he has struggled with injuries throughout his career, having never played in more than 67 games in a season. His recent playing history includes a notable incident where he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury and faced a suspension for his conduct off the court. This season, Morant has averaged impressive statistics with 22 points, 8.6 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game, however, he has only dunked three times across 12 games due to his new approach. Fans have reacted to his choice with mixed emotions, playfully booing when he opted for a gentler two-handed layup instead of a dunk. Yet, Morant has shown that he is unfazed by this, stating that he is satisfied with the two points regardless of how he gets them. This decision reflects his awareness and adaptability as a player, emphasizing his desire to maintain his health and longevity in the competitive environment of the NBA. With Morant’s team looking better this season with a record of 14-8, his choices are crucial in shaping the Grizzlies' resilience and potential success moving forward, especially considering their challenging performance last season when they finished with a 27-55 record.