Ja Morant tells Grizzlies to 'keep grinding' in his absence - ESPN

DALLAS — Injured superstar Ja Morant spoke up during the Memphis Grizzlies' emotional team meeting Tuesday morning in the wake of the news that he needs season-ending surgery on his right shoulder.

The gist of Morant's message to his Memphis teammates?

«Stay locked in and keep grinding,» Grizzlies shooting guard Desmond Bane told ESPN before Tuesday night's road game against the Dallas Mavericks.

Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins described the Grizzlies as «gutted» and «devastated» for Morant, who played only nine games this season after being suspended for the first 25. The Grizzlies learned soon after their flight landed in Dallas on Monday evening that an MRI on Morant's shoulder revealed an underlying labral tear.

«Everyone just feels for Ja,» Jenkins said. «I mean, they know how much work he's been putting in this season, obviously what he's done since he's come back just within the last couple of weeks. But these guys really care for each other and they really care for Ja, and obviously they know how much he cares for them and how he showed so much support even when he was out the first 25 games. But we just kept talking about, 'Hey, we're going to be there for you. You got to be there for us.'»

Morant's teammates and Memphis staff members vowed to support him throughout his recovery from the surgery.

«Just be his brother,» power forward Jaren Jackson Jr. told ESPN. «There's no science to it. Just be there for him. He's got a great support system around him. His circle's tight, so he's going to be great.»

Added Bane: «We're wrapping our arms around him. We're here for him.»

Morant, who attended the game in Dallas but did not speak to the media, traveled and practiced with the team while serving his suspension, which was