Surprisingly, Ja Morant, who is currently serving his 25-game ban due to his off-court unconventional behaviors, still managed to make the headlines. Recently, Head Coach Taylor Jenkins disclosed that the Memphis Grizzlies’ point guard has been gearing up for an imminent return, which could be significant for the team, as the team’s poor run is attributed to the absence of the star player.
Ja Morant whose suspension includes a no on-court appearance, has dropped a mild cryptic reaction following the recent Lakers and Grizzlies’ on-court altercation.
Ja Morant reacts to explosive Lakers-Grizzlies altercation
The matchup between the Grizzlies and the Lakers over the last three campaigns has become a must-watch game, owing to its intense atmosphere. The game which was the first time the teams met since the contentious playoffs series last season, delivered a moment of altercation where 5 technical fouls were issued out at a go.
The game had 4:57 left in the first quarter, after Davis made a layup, Santi Aldama confronted him with the ball. In response, Davis pushed Aldama to the ground, resulting in a double technical foul that saw both Anthony Davis and Santi Aldama being ejected. Additionally, Desmond Bane, D’Angelo Russell, and HC Grizzlies Taylor Jenkins were also issued a technical foul respectively.
The absence of Ja Morant, who could only tweet and encourage his team, has left the Grizzlies experiencing their worst start to a season with 2-8. Morant reacted swiftly to the incident with a puzzling message on X. However, it appears only Ja Morant seems to understand what his response to the incident meant.
The Grizzlies who later lost to the Lakers with a scoreline of 100-122, while missing the services of Steven Adams, Brandon Clarke, and Derrick Rose due to injuries, are seriously hoping to have Ja Morant back in the roster, which could turn their season around.
When is Ja Morant coming back to NBA?
While Ja Morant is still out on suspension, the Grizzlies, are experiencing a tough time without the electrifying point guard. HC Taylor Jenkins provided updates on Ja Morant before Sunday’s game against the Clippers, which suggested the star’s aim for an impactful return.
Taylor Jenkins said, “He’s fully involved in practices, film sessions, individual workouts, team dinners, the social things that they’re doing in the hotel room after games, he’s got a great positive attitude throughout this.”
Jenkins added, “I know it can be frustrating for him, the team not having him around. We understand the circumstances.” HC Taylor Jenkins also revealed the positive work rate of Ja Morant, as he pushes every button to get himself prepared for a return.
While Ja Morant is expected to make a return against the New Orleans Pelicans on 19 December 2023, NBA commissioner Adam Silver has hinted at the need for the 24-year-old star to undergo a mandatory program, which will address the issues that led to his repeated destructive behaviors.
Will the return of a “prepared Ja Morant” turn the fortune of the Grizzlies around? Share your thoughts with us now.
