2023-12-14 21:08:01
Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies are counting the days until the two-time All-Star point guard’s 25-game suspension ends.
For Morant this is literal.
The point guard was suspended for displaying a gun twice on social media in a span of three months and has posted an hourglass emoji a couple of times, most recently on Monday with the word “I’ll be back” followed by counting down the days. and games he has left to play once more with the Grizzlies.
Morant will speak to reporters following a session in Memphis on Friday and will make his debut next Tuesday in New Orleans.
Coach Taylor Jenkins said Morant has been working “incredibly” to be ready for when his suspension ends.
“I hope he’s 100% come game 26,” Jenkins said. “Is excited. He understands the process that got him there.”
Still, Morant must prove that the steps imposed on him by the league and that were not made known really worked in the eyes of everyone who expects him to make a mistake in his behavior on and off the court.
The NBA and the Grizzlies have not said much regarding the specific terms of Morant’s second suspension for holding a gun in a friend’s social media video in May. During the draft, general manager Zach Kleiman called the punishment “appropriate” and that it was time for Morant to change his behavior.
Morant has been allowed to train with his teammates, travel to away games and be in warmups, but the point guard cannot be on the bench or in the arena during games. Additionally, the NBA has held meetings with Morant during his suspension.
On Monday he testified in a civil lawsuit in connection with a case in which he hit a teenager at a game. In April he countersued, claiming the lawsuit threatened sponsorships and other “unconsummated deals.”
Morant will join a team very different from the young Grizzlies who finished second in the West the last two seasons. Memphis is currently one of the worst teams in the NBA with a record of 6-17.
Last season they had a league-best 35-6 home record and now they were the last to have their first win in their own arena going 1-10 in Memphis.
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