The Memphis Grizzlies and their star player Ja Morant are center court in both giving back to the community and dealing with the hustle of preseason setbacks. On Thursday, the team, along with FedEx, launched their Dream Court program at the Bernal E. Smith Jr. Boys & Girls Club. According to a report by Action News 5, this court marks the beginning of a series expected to spread across Memphis and Shelby County, fashioned as symbols of equality, unity, and community empowerment. Concurrently, Morant, who recently sustained an ankle injury, appeared at the club event, presenting kids with new shoes while dismissing fears over his playing condition.
Renovations to the Dream Court included a new-look surface, lighting enhancements, and locker room upgrades, to which Morant added a personal touch by giving away footwear. This was amidst concerns of his health, following an ankle sprain on October 5, which has him on a week-to-week recovery timeline as reported by The Commercial Appeal. "They just be tweakin'," Morant told the publication, assuring fans that there is "Nothing to be crazy about" and all with a smile to drive the point home.
While Morant's injury might have sent a frisson through the team's fanbase, the Grizzlies are seeking to infuse positivity into local communities by inviting applications for new or refurbished Dream Courts. Per details from FOX13 Memphis, the initiative is a partnership with FedEx that springs from a well of Dr. King's vision, aiming to create inclusive spaces for community engagement and growth. This is alongside the backdrop of an injury update that Morant seems optimistic he can bounce back from before the regular season throws its first pitch.
The Dream Courts are anticipated to become active zones for local youth, fostering not just basketball skills but also collaborative spirit. As the Grizzlies' preseason progresses, two other players, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey, are also on the mend from offseason procedures. The team has navigated these waters with three remaining preseason games, including matchups against the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets – with Jackson potentially being in the mix for the season opener, according to The Commercial Appeal. With these developments, Morant appears in good spirits, ready to lace up following his ankle sprain scare, and equally eager to lace the community with a sense of hope and investment in the youth.
