Ja Morant is the most covered athlete in the Memphis Grizzlies. His electrifying playstyle and unbreakable confidence quickly endeared him among hoops fans who love the NBA’s flashiness.
However, his off-the-court troubles may derail a career still on the rise. His latest debacle was the 23-year-old star releasing an Instagram video of him shirtless and holding a gun hours after his team lost to the Denver Nuggets.
His act quickly puts him in hot water since the NBA is doing everything possible to market the league as family-friendly. However, the potential punishment of the star player may have a severe effect on the team’s playoff hopes for this season and the next.
MARCA revealed that Morant’s suspension from NBA play could possibly extend to the following season. There are reports that Morant’s suspension from the Grizzlies could reach up to fifty games if the evidence corroborates a serious offense.
Both the league and the police are conducting investigations into Morant’s antics. The facts that will emerge from the inspections can determine how long Morant will be out of the team.
Morant’s suspension could spell plenty of trouble for Taylor Jenkins’ Grizzlies. He’s the core of everything good with Memphis, averaging 27.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. His shooting percentages of 46.3% FG, 31.6%, and 74.4% FT on high volumes make him a tough offensive assignment.
With Morant out, it’s up to Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, and Jaren Jackson Jr. to carry the offensive load. Rotation players like Tyus Jones and Santi Adalma also have to step up their production as Brandon Clark is out with a torn Achilles.
While the Grizzlies are currently third in the Western Conference, it’ll be hard for them to make it out of the first round of the playoffs without their star man.
Steven Adams Tried to Rein Ja Morant, Grizzlies
The gun issue isn’t the first off-court issue Morant is facing. He is also accused of hitting a teenager during an off-season pickup game. The mother of the teen is reportedly suing for damages.
Ja Morant isn’t the only Grizzlie causing mayhem, though. Brooks has antagonized multiple NBA players, and Jackson fired a taunting tweet toward the Golden State Warriors last season.
The Grizzlies have the seventh-youngest team in the NBA, which speaks a lot about their quality on the floor. However, their attitudes bring down what otherwise is a very successful season.
Steven Adams, one of the oldest players on the roster, tried to help the team focus on the task at hand. Shams Charania reported that Adams organized a players-only meeting where he stressed the importance of better discipline on the road:
Reporting on @TheRally for the latest surrounding Grizzlies star Ja Morant – and details on a recent players-only meeting where a veteran pushed for better discipline on the road: pic.twitter.com/ICXC6YlrXF
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 6, 2023
The meeting happened before the gun fiasco, so it seems Adam’s counsel fell on deaf ears. Morant may be thinking about everything Adams said as he’s facing a murky future as a pro baller.
The star revealed he would get help to improve his response to stressful situations. Whether this action is too late remains to be seen.
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