Memphis Grizzlies figuring out how to bring Ja Morant back into fold: “A lot of internal dialogues going on” | NBA News

Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins is refusing to confirm a timeline for the return of star point guard Ja Morant.

The 23-year-old has been absent from the roster ever since a video surfaced in which he appeared to be displaying a gun in a Denver strip club.

Although no charges have been levelled, Morant has spent the time away from the court dealing with his personal issues, with ESPN citing unidentified sources that he entered a counselling program in Florida.

However Jenkins, who has been insightful so far on the unravelling saga, declined to comment on that report.

“Outside of what I’ve said in the past, respectful to the nature of the situation and stuff, I think I said on the outset he was taking time and responsibility to get better himself so he could be better for our team,” Jenkins said.

“I’m not going to really comment further until there’s more updates necessary.”

The sixth game of Morant’s absence will be on Wednesday night at Miami, but Jenkins said the club isn’t ready to indicate what will happen after that.

“There are a lot of internal dialogues going on,” Jenkins added.

“There are still things going on at the league level that we’re in communication with. Ja’s fully engaged in this process and whatever comes next after these two games.”

The Grizzlies are in a tight race for the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference with the Sacramento Kings breathing down their necks. Those teams are three games clear of a tightly packed group trying to stay in the top six and avoid the West play-in tournament.

“We’re focused on winning basketball games,” said guard Desmond Bane, who led the Grizzlies with 23 points in Monday’s victory over the Dallas Mavericks.

“Obviously, Ja’s getting help. Whenever he’s ready to return to the team, we’re going to welcome him with open arms.”

Memphis won their third consecutive game without Morant after losing the first two he missed. The Grizzlies were 20-5 without him last year, when they finished second in the West.

“I think it’s a lot of factors,” Jenkins said of the success without Morant last season. “It’s not about doing more. It’s just about, in your opportunity, play better, just seek the opportunities.”