Grizzlies’ Morant, Hornets’ Ball primed for returns

Ja Morant and LaMelo Ball, two of the most promising young stars in the league, are set to return to the court for the 2024-25 season after both players suffered injury setbacks last season: Morant sidelined with a shoulder injury and Ball ruled out with ongoing ankle issues. 
Morant will resume his starting point guard for Memphis Wednesday night against the Utah Jazz. The centerpiece for the Grizzlies looked sharp in limited preseason action with 15 points per game on 52% shooting over two appearances. 
Morant’s return is key for Memphis re-establishing itself among the top teams in the West. Prior to last season, the Grizzlies locked down the No.2 seed in the West in back-to-back years (2021-22, 2022-23). Morant was the  driving force behind those campaigns and despite not advancing deep into the playoffs, the young roster gained valuable playoff experience. 
With Morant expected to return to form, the Grizzlies are poised to reclaim their spot as a top contender in the Western Conference.
As for Ball, the 23-year-old guard hopes to revitalize the Charlotte Hornets and reestablish them as a competitive force in the East. Despite displaying the promise of a future star in his first four seasons, Ball’s ankle problems have restricted him to just 58 total games over the past two years. The Hornets are looking to make the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade (2015-16). 
Ball could be the missing piece to a promising young core that features 2023 No.2 overall pick Brandon Miller. The combination of Ball and Miller could comprise one of the more exciting young backcourts in the Eastern Conference after Miller turned in a strong rookie season and looked sharp in the preseason. 
As it stands, both the Grizzlies and Hornets might not be expected to contend for a title this season, but there’s a chance that full seasons from both Morant and Ball could drastically improve their standings within their respective conferences. 
For the Grizzlies, making a surge up the Western Conference standings is within reach, considering their ascent in Morant’s last two full seasons. It’s possible that Memphis not only returns to the postseason, but also earns a top seed. 
A playoff spot is within reach for the Hornets, provided Ball is able to stay healthy. His electrifying playmaking ability will give a significant jolt to this team over the course of the season. 
Both players will be must-watch on NBA League Pass this season, beginning tonight when Ball and the Hornets take on the Rockets (8 ET) and later on as Morant and the Grizzlies face off against the Jazz (9 ET).