This is the concern of this beginning of the week: made unavailable by the Grizzlies, Ja Morant seems to be going through a delicate phase where controversies and road trips threaten one of the most promising NBA careers of the new wave. Be careful not to pull the cork out of the vinasse, it is complicated to put back (no metaphor).
Prevention is better than cure. A maxim known to all. A “bad for good” that the Grizzlies impose on their best player, for the sustainability of a team, of its future – and that of the entire League. Dismissed from Taylor Jenkins’ group following the publication of an article in the Washington Post in which are exposed various and unfortunately varied facts of aggression, Ja Morant “reacted” in the worst possible way. Story in a strip-club with a gun in hand. The drop too much. Dismissal for a period “indefinite” by the Memphis staff. In the wake of the announcement of this form of “suspension”, Nike – under contract with the leader of the Grizzlies – reacted quite soberly. “We appreciate Ja’s taking responsibility and taking the time to get the help he needs. We support the priority he places on his well-being”. Translation ? We’re not going to do anything for the moment, Ja still represents a hell of a bunch of beef. In a week, the whole department marketing of our company hopes that the matter will be forgotten.
Why is the case worrying? Ja was at a strip club in Denver. If the gun he was holding was his, that would mean he traveled with it. And this kind of little surprise guest on the plane of a franchise, “only” thirteen years following the « gun incident » of Gilbert Arenas, it is rather badly seen by the large authorities. Suspension level, Ja risk of heavy. And even. With this sidelining in “muted” mode, very vague and not the most transparent in terms of communication, let us pray that the list of offenses stops there. Not nice to see the future of the League shooting itself in the foot. No bad pun.
“Ja doesn’t have a specific return schedule…we’re dealing with it day by day. It is an ongoing healing process for him. – Taylor Jenkins, Grizzlies coach
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins on Ja Morant:
“He’s got an unbelievable heart… He’s an amazing person, a great family person. As a father, brother, son, member of our community. This is a tough time for a young kid that’s gotta grow and get better.”
(via @TomerAzarly) pic.twitter.com/t0QzczfuP7
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) March 6, 2023
