Ja Morant 'Fully Involved' As He Gears Up For His Return To The Court

As the time is getting closer for Ja Morant to rejoin his team on the court after his 25-game suspension, he's "fully involved" off the court to gear up for the start of his season.

While the Memphis Grizzlies haven't been off to a great start this season, the team will once again have their star player back on the court in mid-December. And even though he's unable to play with the team now, he's been with the team behind the scenes getting ready for his return.

Morant's 25-game suspension means he's not able to play with his team, but he is able to do things that will help him upon his return.

"He's fully involved in practices, film sessions, individual workouts, team dinners, the social things that they're doing in the hotel room after games," Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said before Sunday's game against the L.A. Clippers. "He's got a great positive attitude throughout this. I know it can be frustrating for him, the team not having him around. We understand the circumstances."

The 24-year-old NBA star was suspended by the league after brandishing a gun during an Instagram Live in May, which was the second incident of its kind this year. He was first suspended for eight games in March after a video surfaced of him flashing a firearm at a strip club in Denver.

The soonest that Morant is eligible to return to the court is on December 19 when the Grizzlies face the New Orleans Pelicans. According to Jenkins, he's doing everything possible to get prepared for his return.

"He's pushing every button possible to get himself prepared, but also help this team as best as he can through his brilliant IQ, his care factor, his voice, his presence, the spirit he brings," Jenkins continued. "It's been awesome to see him take on, I don't want to say a leadership role, but just his investment in the group has been awesome."

Morant has been practicing with his team's second and third units and is "fully accepting of it," according to Jenkins.

While Morant is doing everything to get back into action with his team, he is still required to "formulate and fulfill a program with the league that directly addresses the circumstances that led him to repeat this destructive behavior," according to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

There have been no further details given on the program.

Morant hasn't been super active on social media since his suspension began but recently started showing up a bit more often.

During the NBA offseason, photos of Morant working out surfaced on Shot by Nie's Instagram page. Each of the photos in the series sends a message about how Morant is acknowledging his past choices and making a comeback. And fans loved to see it!

The photos were shared in August and show Morant wearing shirts that say, "Accountability," "Gratitude," "Rebirth," and "Character."

Many of his fans took to the comments to share their thoughts on his return to the court later this year.

"The return is going to be such a sight to see. I can’t wait," one person wrote. Another added, "The calm before the storm."

Morant recently shared a video on his Instagram page showing him visiting "young hoopers" in Memphis to gift some of his Ja 1 shoes and play basketball with them.

The Grizzlies star gave the kids some advice.

"Believe in yourself, you know, have confidence in yourself.  There's gonna be a lot of outside stuff that can distract you from your ultimate goal," Morant said. "Just stay locked in, tune it out, and stay true to yourself."

"Always for the kids," one follower wrote in the comments. Another said, "Aaayyyyeeee Let’s go!!!"