Wednesday night, the preseason gets underway for the Boston Celtics. They'll square off against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Unfortunately, Ja Morant won't be among those the visitors get to test themselves against.
Per Damichael Cole of The Commercial Appeal, the former All-NBA selection suffered a sprained left ankle during practice on Monday. Morant is considered week-to-week.
There's a distinct possibility that he would not have played anyway. Like Luka Doncic and LeBron James with the Los Angeles Lakers and countless other stars across the Association, sitting out for at least the first exhibition contest is common.
Furthermore, Morant's 2024-25 campaign ended abruptly due to injury. Even if he was 100 percent, it's another reason Memphis might have preferred to err on the side of caution and hold him out of its preseason opener.
How the Celtics intend to overcome their loss of talent
The bill came due for the Celtics this offseason. They had spent the last two years over the second apron. Under this constricting collective bargaining agreement, they had to dip below that threshold.
Roster changes were likely needed anyway after getting bounced in the second round of the playoffs by the New York Knicks. Jayson Tatum's Achilles tear reinforced the direction Boston would move this summer, seeking flexibility.
Now, the roster's filled with players eager to prove themselves in the league as they take on more responsibility. That hunger is a weapon. One that the Celtics are nurturing with their approach at training camp.
"This preseason has probably been my hardest preseason, I think I've had [from] a conditioning standpoint and a physicality standpoint, but that's what we're going to need this season," Jaylen Brown told Hardwood Houdini after a three-hour practice session on Monday. The 2024 NBA Finals MVP described the nature of that as physical with an "intense pace."
The four-time All-Star, who has never missed the playoffs in his career, also conveyed the keys to overcoming the departures of players like Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Luke Kornet.
"To be honest, we've been spoiled to some degree where we've been able to have a bunch of talented players come through, which has made a lot of our jobs a little bit easier," acknowledged Brown. "This year is a little different. What we lack in experience we've got to make up [for] with speed and mentality, so that's fun as well too."