Memphis Grizzlies player Jaren Jackson Jr. said they'd have to figure out how to handle Ja Morant's absence for the first 25 games.
Jackson spoke following Team USA's final practice before their FIAB World Cup preliminary exhibition game versus Puerto Rico on Monday, August 7.
"We just gotta navigate it," Jackson remarked. "Obviously, not having Ja is a very large vacuum to fill, but, you know, he's not, it's not like he's not gonna be around.
"He'll give us all the tools to do that," he added. The league suspended Morant after a May social media livestream showing him brandishing a gun in a car.
After the team and NBA fined Morant for going live on Instagram with a handgun outside a Denver bar, this was the second occurrence.
Morant must meet 'certain conditions' to return to the NBA. During his suspension, the Grizzlies star cannot participate in "any public league or team activities, including preseason games."
Jackson is focused on the Team USA camp until October, when Morant's absence will be discussed. The Memphis star was satisfied with training camp.
"Really good," Jackson added. "We're getting acquainted. We've never played. Thus, socializing. Everyone knows the game well. Good point guards, players, and coaches. It's good.