Ja Morant set for comeback, ‘understands the process’ that has led to his return after… 

Coach Taylor Jenkins said Morant has been “unbelievable” working to be ready the moment his suspension ends

Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies have been counting down the days until the two-time All-Star’s 25-game suspension ends.

For Morant, almost literally.

The point guard suspended for flashing a gun on social media twice in the span of three months has posted the hourglass emoji a couple times, the last on Monday with “return soon” followed by that emoji with the number of days and games left until he plays again for the Grizzlies.

Morant will speak to reporters Friday morning after a shootaround in Memphis. His season debut will be Tuesday night in New Orleans.

Coach Taylor Jenkins said Morant has been “unbelievable” working to be ready the moment his suspension ends.

“I expect him to be full go come Game 26,” Jenkins said. “He’s really excited. He understands the process that’s gotten him here.”

READ MORE:Ja Morant Shares Major Announcement About Return After Meeting…

Still, it’s up to Morant to prove the undisclosed steps required during the league-imposed timeout actually worked with everyone watching and waiting for any slip-up or mistake in his behavior off the court.

The NBA and Grizzlies have said little about the specific terms of Morant’s second suspension in four months for holding a gun during a friend’s livestream on social media in May. On draft night, general manager Zach Kleiman called the punishment “appropriate” and time for Morant to change his behavior.

The Grizzlies announced Oct. 2 that Morant was allowed to practice with his teammates, travel to road games and even take part in shootarounds. But the guard has not been able to sit on the bench or even be inside arenas for games.

The NBA also had checkpoints for Morant to meet throughout his suspension, which Commissioner Adam Silver said last weekend in Las Vegas that he has monitored closely. Silver also planned to check in with Morant himself this week.

Morant and his team have been in weekly contact with both the NBA office and the NBA Players Association making sure the high-flying guard has followed the program laid out for him. Silver said Morant has done everything asked of him to the best of his knowledge.