By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Entering a similar situation to last March, Ja Morant was suspended by the Memphis Grizzlies, the team announced Sunday.
Per the press release: “We are aware of the social media video involving Ja Morant. He is suspended from all team activities pending League review. We have no further comment at this time.”
Morant, 23, was on the receiving end of a two-game team suspension and was ultimately suspended for eight games by the NBA in March. He also attended a counseling program.
Returning to action later in March, his 2022-23 campaign stretched into the Playoffs with the Grizzlies bowing out to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games. Ending up with 26.6 points, 8.0 assists, 5.9 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 0.3 blocks per contest over 66 appearances split between the Regular Season and the postseason painted the final picture of his efforts.
In a since-deleted Instagram Live video, he was holding a gun in a car. Pending league and team reviews of the latest incident, a potential decision for sanctions is likely to be stricter. As a repeat offender, his future in Memphis and in the league can be considered uncertain.
Coming out of Murray State, Morant was selected with the second overall pick of the 2019 draft, trailing only Zion Williamson. From the Rookie of the Year award to back-to-back All-Star Game appearances in 2022 and 2023, the successful and very promising run was halted by controversy and the first gun incident.
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