Ja Morant, the All-Star point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, came off the bench for the first time in his career on March 22, 2023, against the Houston Rockets[2][3].
Morant had been suspended for eight games and suggested to the Grizzlies’ coaching staff that he come off the bench upon his return
The crowd at FedExForum roared as soon as Morant walked to the scorer’s table several minutes into the first quarter.
He scored 17 points off the bench in his return game.
The reason why Ja Morant came off the bench is not entirely clear. However, according to an article from The Athletic, most people involved with the Grizzlies organization and onlookers chalked up their 20-5 record when Morant didn’t play last season as an anomaly and then as a testament to the organization.
It is possible that this record influenced their decision to have him come off the bench upon his return.