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Yes Morant will serve a 25-game suspension to begin the 2023-24 NBA season, but he has a message for everyone once he is allowed back on the field.
Morant’s suspension stems from the much-anticipated discipline the NBA placed on him for his second incident of brandishing a firearm, this time on his friend, Davonte Pack’s, Instagram Live while in a vehicle.
But while the NBA world condemned Morant’s actions, veteran guard Isaiah Thomas is trying to start the new year on a positive note. He believes Morant will dominate if he gets back with the Memphis Grizzlies.
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Yes Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts against the Golden State Warriors during Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals of the NBA Playoffs on FedExForum on May 3, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Justin Ford/Getty Images)
The signing of Derrick Rose to the team is a big reason why.
“Look what kind of season Ja has next year with D-rose bandaged to his hip all year. Once he comes out of suspension he will have his best season yet. That D-rose presence will put him on some MVPs—…Watch!”
Morant responded to Thomas saying “you’re too hard OG. They’ll feel me soon.”
An hour after sending that tweet, Morant had another to add that seemed to reference what he’s going through right now.
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“You know life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift. Yes, life isn’t fair, but it’s still good, it’s a blessing to be here…” tweeted Morant.
Morant is also affiliated with the NBA Summer League, where the Grizzlies face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas. He said, “our young bulls > yours” with a bunch of bear emojis probably denoting the Grizzlies.
The league suspended Morant for 25 games after the NBA Finals, though Commissioner Adam Silver did say the league waited until the Finals were over so as not to create a distraction for the two teams fighting their way to get there.
Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies watches against the Los Angeles Lakers during Game Five of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at FedExForum on April 26, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Justin Ford/Getty Images)
“Ja Morant’s decision to use a firearm again on social media is alarming and troubling given his similar behavior in March for which he had already been banned for eight games,” Silver said in a statement.
“The potential for other young people to emulate Ja’s behavior is of particular concern. Under the circumstances, we believe a 25-match suspension is appropriate and makes it clear that reckless and irresponsible behavior with guns will not be tolerated.
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“For Ja, basketball needs to take a backseat right now. Prior to returning to play, he will need to formulate and execute a program with the league that directly addresses the circumstances that led him to repeat this destructive behavior.”
Morant had previously been suspended eight games during the regular season in March after also displaying a firearm at a Denver nightclub. He was drunk at the time of that incident.
Since Morant will be without pay for the first 25 games, he is giving up about $7.5 million, $300,000 per game, as he would make $33.5 million this upcoming season.
But perhaps Rose’s veteran presence in the Memphis locker room will be a factor in getting Morant back on track in the public eye.
Yes Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during Round 1 Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 16, 2023 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. (Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
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When he’s on the field, he’s the dynamic two-way player the Grizzlies drafted him for second overall, but his off-field incidents are troubling as he’s set to start a five-year, $197.23 million contract next year.
Scott Thompson is a sportswriter for Fox News Digital.
