Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Memphis Grizzlies star guard Ja Morant has reacted to Stephen A. Smith’s comments suggesting that NBA players avoid joining the Grizzlies due to safety concerns in Memphis. The discussion unfolded during a recent episode of “First Take,” where Smith, alongside NBA veterans Marcus and Markieff Morris, evaluated whether the Grizzlies should consider trading Morant and rebuilding the team following the departure of Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic.
When Marcus Morris was asked about player hesitance regarding Memphis, Smith shared his views candidly. “Memphis is a great sports town with passionate fans, yet there are elements that make some players, like Jimmy Butler, perceive it as unsafe,” Smith stated. He stressed the need for local authorities in Memphis to address these safety issues, as they might discourage players from engaging with the Grizzlies.
Morant opted not to confront Smith directly but took to X to make his thoughts known. He playfully criticized the narrative surrounding Memphis, posting, “talkin bout the grizz more than the finals [laughing emoji] wit these [cap emoji] ahh sources. Instead of focusing on the outstanding performances we’ve seen from players like jdub and Shai, we hear something negative about a city and team on a national scale.”
The “First Take” panel also touched on Morant’s future with the Grizzlies against the backdrop of a fiercely competitive Western Conference. Morant asserted, “ima be in that 901…source: ME!!” signaling his commitment to remaining in Memphis despite the speculation.
Smith did not shy away from discussing Morant’s past challenges, including incidents that resulted in NBA suspensions. He recognized Morant as a talented individual but noted the importance of learning from past mistakes. “Without those incidents, he’s a good brother, but he’s made some foolish mistakes,” Smith remarked.
Known for his dynamic scoring ability, Morant is regarded as one of the league’s most electrifying guards. However, his availability was questioned due to recurring injuries this season. Smith highlighted this concern by revealing that Morant had faced the injury report 15 times due to various ailments, including hamstring and shoulder issues.
“The best ability is availability. If you’re not on the court, questions will arise about your role in the team,” Smith emphasized. These concerns transformed the narrative surrounding Morant’s future, making it imperative for the player to overcome his injury issues.
The Grizzlies concluded the season ranked eighth in the Western Conference with a commendable 48-34 record. However, they faced a disappointing end to their postseason, getting swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are now one game away from clinching an NBA championship.
In his sixth season with the Grizzlies, Morant averaged 23.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 7.3 assists over 50 appearances, demonstrating his significant impact on the court. His performances, alongside ongoing discussions about player safety and availability, continue to shape the conversation surrounding the future of both Morant and the Grizzlies.
As the NBA off-season unfolds, all eyes will be on Memphis. The Grizzlies’ decisions regarding Morant and the broader roster could determine the team’s trajectory next season.
With the league evolving rapidly, this situation emphasizes the importance of safety, team dynamics, and injury management within the competitive framework of professional basketball.
