NBA Notes: Grizzlies, Ja Morant, Hornets, Kon Knueppel, Wizards

Grizzlies

Ja Morant has suffered another setback. The star guard sprained his left ankle during Sunday’s practice and is considered week-to-week, a team spokesperson told Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal.

The injury will almost certainly keep Morant out for all five preseason games and puts his status for the Oct. 22 regular season opener vs. New Orleans in doubt. It’s the latest chapter in a string of health issues for Morant, who has never appeared in more than 67 games in a season.

He was limited to nine games in 2023-24 after shoulder surgery and played just 50 games last season due to recurring shoulder and hip injuries.

When healthy, Morant remains elite — averaging 23.2 points, 7.3 assists and 4.1 rebounds last year — and Memphis will lean heavily on him after trading Desmond Bane to Orlando this summer.

For now, Scotty Pippen Jr. is expected to run the point. He made 21 starts last season.

Hornets

Charlotte has two starting spots still up for grabs, and coach Charles Lee seems fine with keeping things fluid early on, per Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer.

Moussa Diabaté started at center in Sunday’s preseason opener against Oklahoma City, while rookie Kon Knueppel — the No. 4 overall pick — started at small forward.

Lee said Tre Mann, Knueppel, and Collin Sexton should “be prepared to start a lot of different ways,” noting the team is still evaluating lineup combinations.

Knueppel led the Hornets with 18 points, shooting 6-of-13 from the field and 4-of-10 from deep. He downplayed any concern over starting vs. coming off the bench, saying the group will adapt based on matchups.

Wizards

Washington has signed Skal Labissiere to an Exhibit 10 contract and waived Akoldah Gak to make room.

Labissiere, 29, spent over four seasons away from the NBA before a brief stint with Sacramento last March. He’s coming off a strong G League season with Stockton, averaging 16.1 points and 7.9 rebounds.

Because he has more than four years of NBA experience, Labissiere isn’t eligible for a two-way deal. He’s expected to report to Capital City, where the Exhibit 10 allows him to earn a bonus if he spends 60+ days with the affiliate.