What Morant said in his return from suspension
Ja Morant spoke to local media for the first time Tuesday since serving an eight-game suspension after brandishing a handgun on Instagram Live in a Colorado nightclub.
Morant was back with the Grizzlies for the first time on Monday, when the they defeated the Dallas Mavericks 112-108.
The Fedexforum crowd gave Morant an ovation when he walked out of the tunnel just before the start of the game, but Morant said he felt “uncomfortable” during the game, and he was also uncomfortable while standing in front of more than 20 media members following practice Tuesday afternoon.
The main goal for Morant is “keeping the main thing the main thing,” he said.
That is referring to basketball, and how his mentality going forward will be focused on limiting outside distractions and focusing on basketball.
“I take responsibility for the decisions I made that pretty much hurt me to the core,” Morant said.
“It's a lot, but it's an ongoing process.”
Less partying and social media
Morant has prided himself in the past on showing his authentic brand on social media. While he said he won't change as a person, his social media presence will be centered more around basketball.
Morant has been one of the NBA'S most active players on social media in his four-year career. A lot of his tweets are song lyrics, general thoughts and comments on the Grizzlies, but he is planning to tone down his social media posts going forward.
“I won't be doing that at all,” Morant said.
Morant temporarily deactivated his Instagram and Twitter accounts after the nightclub video surfaced.
Ja Morant debunks alcohol problem
In the past, Morant has showcased himself in Instagram Live and Youtube videos going out with his friends. During a 2022 trip to NBA All-star Weekend, Morant went on Instagram Live while singing rap lyrics with his friends and family and drinking a bot
tle of Casamigos Tequila.
“I don’t have an alcohol problem, never had an alcohol problem,” Morant said.
Morant’s now infamous nightclub video came after a loss to Denver Nuggets on March 4. Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said the Grizzlies have had internal discussions about how the team will conduct itself on the road going forward.
“Clubbing and all is not on my mind right now,” Morant said.
Ja Morant could come off the bench
Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks said Monday that Morant approached the team about the idea of coming off the bench. While Brooks shut down the idea, Jenkins didn’t do the same.
Morant is still going through an Nbamandated ram-up process before returning to the court, but he is expected to play Wednesday.
Jenkins said Morant will be playing limited minutes that will be determined by the medical staff.
That number could determine whether Morant is in the starting lineup or not.
“There is a chance that he might come off the bench for a couple of games,” Jenkins said.
“Then we get him back in the starting lineup. Not fully committed to one way or the other, but he and I have fully engaged in that with the medical team, so Ja is fully aware and supportive of whichever direction we go.”
Ja Morant made decision on counseling program
Morant said it was his personal decision to go to a counseling program in Florida.
During that time, Morant didn’t play much basketball and focused on his mental state.
“I’m going to always be Ja,” Morant said.
“I won’t change for anybody. The only problem with me now is getting in a space mentally that I’m very comfortable in and I feel good at.”
Back with the team
The toughest thing for Morant was being away from his team, he said. He sent an apology message to the team and apologized again in person on Monday.
“It’s better to talk to them in person,” Morant said.
“Finally being able to be back to do that definitely helps me out a lot and makes me a lot more comfortable.”