Ja Morant's 2023-24 NBA season has hit a brutal end after just nine games. The Memphis Grizzlies star will undergo season-ending surgery for a torn labrum in his right shoulder, a cruel blow after his recent return from a 25-game suspension.

Morant, whose explosive play fuels the Grizzlies' offense, injured himself during a Saturday practice session. While the team initially described it as a subluxation, further evaluation revealed the more serious tear.

This comes as a devastating blow to the Grizzlies, who were showing signs of resurgence following Morant's return. After struggling to a 6-19 record without him, they went 7-4 with him on the court, displaying the kind of form that propelled them to playoff success in recent years.

However, Morant's absence, coupled with the ongoing injuries to key players like Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke, casts a dark cloud over their playoff aspirations. They currently sit 13th in the Western Conference, 4.5 games behind the crucial 10th seed.

While Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart, and Jaren Jackson Jr. have stepped up in Morant's absence, replacing their on-court leader and offensive engine is an impossible task. The lack of consistent support from injured role players adds further weight to the challenge.

Despite the bleak outlook, the Grizzlies retain a fighter's spirit and the unpredictable nature of the Western Conference could offer a glimmer of hope. They may not be favorites anymore, but they have the talent and determination to pull off a late-season surge and sneak into the playoffs.