Remember 2019? A wild year in sports saw the NBA change its rules for lottery odds. As a result, the Memphis Grizzlies and the New Orleans Pelicans would end up with the first two picks in the draft. With generational names like Ja Morant and Zion Williamson up for grabs, the two franchises were ready to cash in. But four years later, both sides face their fair share of problems. While Zion’s injury-luck and off-court shenanigans take away from his impact, the Pelicans haven’t taken a major leap. Yet, they are the team better off this season.

The Grizzlies, while achieving far more success, have had a unique challenge to deal with. Morant’s struggles off the court and the very public and widespread controversy due to it led to a historic 25-game suspension for the young superstar. In his absence, the team has faltered to a 6-19 start. Can he somehow turn their season around?

As fate would have it, it’s the same Pelicans that stand across Memphis for the comeback of #12. With the entire league anticipating his return, Charles Barkley placed the blame on the Grizzlies’ struggle on the head of Ja.

“He obviously screwed up. Twice. But, the problem with screwing up, it ain’t always about it. He’s handcuffed his team…When you do the stuff, you penalize the team. The team didn’t do anything. Because of you doing something stupid, now they’re in a struggle…Like, it’s going to be hard for them to make the playoffs.”

However, Chuck is hoping that Morant can turn the still relatively young season around for Memphis. Or, at the very least, show improvement of his own. “But I hope he learned his lesson.” 

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With the first test a sturdy one, can Ja Morant turn the season, and conversation, around?

Ja Morant is ready to soar, perhaps he can win back Charles Barkley

Even though it will take time before the conversation around Ja takes a U-turn, the first return is sensational. In a return that can best be described as a storybook, Morant delivered in every way imaginable. Despite a length layoff, he was arguably the best player on the court as he led his team to a narrow 115-113 victory.

In the fourth quarter, especially, he was insane. Scoring 12 points in the Final 7 minutes, he was instrumental in leading the comeback to tie the game at 113 apiece. But his night was just beginning. An isolation call, a quintessential, “give me the ball and get out of my way,” paved the way for a ridiculous buzzer-beater as Memphis would pull away for a victory.

For the Pelicans, it was Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum who led the way, while Williamson was a no-show against last year’s DPOY. With the crew having harsh critiques for the first overall pick as well, it doesn’t seem like his time will get any easier.

In just one game, Ja was able to deliver the blueprint for the rest of Memphis’ season. Can he keep up this momentum?