Stephen A. Smith shares his fears over Grizzlies’ unleashed Ja Morant after 25-game ban

Ja Morant, the point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, has been involved in several controversies prior to his suspension, including an incident in which he allegedly displayed a firearm in a Denver nightclub and reportedly punched a teenager during a basketball game.

Despite these controversial incidents, there is no doubt about Ja Morant’s potential. In recognition of his talent, the outspoken sports commentator Stephen A. Smith has expressed concern about Ja Morant’s return to the court in the new season.”

Stephen A. Smith hoping for Ja Morant masterclass

With just hours to go before the NBA season kicks off, Stephen A. Smith on his show (Stephen A. Smith Show) decided to look into his predictions for the new season, which included the Memphis Grizzlies being among the six teams to contest for the Western Conference title, with a suspended Ja Morant inspiring his prediction.

Ja Morant
Via Getty

Stephen’s prediction includes the Nuggets, Clippers, Lakers, Suns, Kings, and the Grizzlies were also mentioned. He, however, is of the view that Ja Morant will be back stronger and will also wreak havoc on other teams after his suspension.

Stephen said, “I’m gonna look at Memphis. When Ja Morant comes back after his 25-game suspension, do you have any idea the mission he’s going to be on? Do you have any idea how he is gonna wreak havoc upon people? Do you know what y’all are in for with Ja Morant? When he comes back, I’m scared for the league when Ja Morant comes back. This brother is a superstar. I think he’s gonna be more focused than ever… I’m telling y’all, I can’t sleep on the Memphis Grizzlies.”

With Ja Morant’s return, he will be joining other stars such as Marcus Smart, Brandon Clarke, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane. This lineup could be the force the Grizzlies need for the upcoming season, potentially propelling them to the playoffs and even the NBA Finals.

Ja Morant return date

As NBA teams gear up for the season kick-off, the Memphis Grizzlies, though they might have a bunch of star players around, will still be missing the services of Ja Morant, whose suspension is not over yet. The Grizzlies point guard will be eligible to play for his team on December 19, 2023, against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Ja Morant
Via Getty

The 24-year-old point guard, who was able to average 26.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 8.1 assists last season, was suspended some months ago and got a 25-game ban from the NBA after violating the league’s policy when his video circulated on social media with Ja Morant showing off a firearm in a live stream.

Nevertheless, the player will be granted a golden opportunity to showcase his true value on the hardwood once he makes his highly anticipated comeback to the Memphis Grizzlies lineup, which has sparked a wave of excitement among fans and analysts alike. One prominent figure who firmly believes in the transformative power of Morant’s presence is none other than the renowned sports commentator Stephen Smith.

With his electrifying athleticism and exceptional court vision, Morant has proven time and time again that he possesses the ability to ignite his team and elevate their performance to new heights.

As the Grizzlies eagerly await their young star’s comeback, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Morant’s return will indeed serve as a catalyst for the team’s success, just as Smith fervently suggests.

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Shariare Hasib

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Shariare Hasib is an NBA Editor at SportsKnot. With a master's degree in journalism from a prestigious university, Shariare started writing about the sport during his undergraduate years. Since then, he has been fascinated by LeBron James' lasting impact as well as Stephen Curry's incredible consistency. He specializes in live basketball coverage. Apart from reporting on trade speculations and match updates during off-season activities, Shariare frequently interacts with fan communities to stay abreast of the constantly evolving NBA scene.

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