Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant is no longer eligible for regular season NBA awards. Morant, who did not Friday against the San Antonio Spurts due to right foot soreness, missed his 18th game of the season.
NBA players must play in at least 65 games to qualify for awards such as All-NBA status or the MVP award. Morant most recently made All-NBA during the 2021-22 season.
Despite Morant being in and out of the lineup, the Grizzlies (27-15) still remain third in the Western Conference. Memphis has an 11-7 record when Morant is unavailable this season.
The NBA initiated a 65-game active limit in the Collective Bargaining Agreement ahead of the 2023-24 season. In six NBA seasons, Morant has failed to play at least 65 games in each of the last five. He participated in 67 matchups as a rookie.
The games limit does not disqualify Morant from a chance at making this year’s NBA All-Star game.
