Only 25 games — I feel like Ja Morant got lucky here.
The NBA announced Friday that Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant will be suspended for 25 games to begin the 2023-24 NBA season because of conduct detrimental to the Association.
Memphis slammed Morant with a suspension May 14, banning him from team activities — pending review from the league — after a social media video showing the All-Star waving a gun started circulating. For a first gun incident back in March, the NBA suspended Morant for eight games. Then, he was spotted on Instagram Live brandishing a firearm while intoxicated in a Denver-area club.
“Ja Morant’s decision to once again wield a firearm on social media is alarming and disconcerting given his similar conduct in March for which he was already suspended eight games,” said NBA commissioner Adam Silver in an official statement. “The potential for other young people to emulate Ja’s conduct is particularly concerning. Under these circumstances, we believe a suspension of 25 games is appropriate and makes clear that engaging in reckless and irresponsible behavior with guns will not be tolerated.
“For Ja, basketball needs to take a back seat at this time. Prior to his return to play, he will be required to formulate and fulfill a program with the league that directly addresses the circumstances that led him to repeat this destructive behavior.”
The NBA says that Morant‘s suspension will come along with conditions in order for him to return to the league. During the suspension, Morant will not be allowed to participate in both public league or team activities, and this includes preseason games.
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/dzDSb4uCk3
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) June 16, 2023
If I was Ja, I’d take this with a smile on my face and get my act together while I still have the chance. Talk about lucky.
Sam Amico from Hoops Wire reported earlier this month that Ja Morant was going to be suspended no less than 42 games, which would have been massive considering it’s literally half the season. In comparison, 25 games is nothing. Yeah, it’s a good chunk of the campaign, but it’s something that Ja can recover from.
I would consider this another slap on the wrist, and another stroke of luck, but I wouldn’t take it for granted if I was Ja. Next time, the NBA could be looking at that 42 figure. Or even worse — three strikes and you’re out with an 82-game suspension. (RELATED: ‘There Is A Path’: Miami Heat Could Reportedly Land Both (Yes, Both) Damian Lillard And Bradley Beal In Offseason)
I hope Ja gets it. This could very well be his last chance.