Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back when discussing Ja Morant’s suspension and its impact on the Memphis Grizzlies’ disappointing 0-5 start to the season. Smith began by acknowledging Morant’s significance on and off the court, highlighting the Grizzlies’ 64% win rate when he plays. He also clarified that Morant didn’t commit any crimes but failed to meet the NBA’s conduct expectations.
“Ja Morant, not just his significance and the fact that they win 64% of their games when he’s on the basketball court. It has me thinking about him on a personal level. You see, at the end of the day, you were the man.”
“At the end of the day, the NBA told you what they needed you to do and how they needed you to conduct yourself because guess what? They’re an iconic brand and this is how they run their business and they don’t want their bottom line compromised. You didn’t listen. And as a result, you got suspended for 25 games.”
“So now a bunch of brothers in Memphis got to go on the court without their due, without their superstar talent that they literally lean on night in and night out. You are home watching games because you didn’t know how to act.”
“What we do know is that if you can literally sit there and deny that you were thinking about yourself, what’s undeniable is that you clearly weren’t thinking about anybody else on your team. Because if you weren’t thinking about the Memphis Grizzlies, you would have flown straight and you would have conducted yourself more appropriately and you wouldn’t be in this position.” (4:00)
The heart of Smith’s argument revolved around Morant’s suspension for flashing a gun on Instagram Live and his subsequent failure to adhere to the league’s directives. Smith emphasized that the NBA is an iconic brand with its way of doing business, and they expect their players to uphold certain standards to protect the league’s reputation.
Smith went on to express his love for Morant as a player and acknowledged that he’s great for the NBA when he’s on the court. However, he expressed disappointment in Morant’s actions, attributing them to immaturity or arrogance. He argued that Morant’s suspension negatively impacted his team and that Morant’s choices suggested he wasn’t thinking about anyone other than himself.
In conclusion, Smith’s comments on Ja Morant’s suspension were critical but not without empathy for the young star’s potential and impact on the Grizzlies and the league as a whole.
The Grizzlies Are Cooked If They Can’t Get Out Of This Slump
The Memphis Grizzlies are undoubtedly facing a challenging period with Ja Morant serving a 25-game suspension, leaving them in dire straits. As the young star remains sidelined, the Grizzlies are navigating a tough stretch, and it’s becoming increasingly apparent that they must find a way to overcome this slump to remain competitive in a fiercely competitive Western Conference.
Morant’s absence has created a significant void for the team, given his instrumental role and the impressive winning record they’ve maintained when he’s on the court. With numerous formidable opponents on the schedule, the Grizzlies can ill afford to let this losing streak persist. The Western Conference, known for its depth and competitiveness, leaves little room for error. Falling too far behind in the standings during Morant’s suspension could be detrimental to the team’s playoff aspirations.
The Grizzlies must find a way to stay afloat during this challenging period, not necessarily with a winning record but by maintaining a competitive position in the standings. Ja Morant’s return, when it comes, should provide a significant boost, but they need to ensure they’re still in the playoff conversation by that time. Otherwise, their postseason hopes could be in serious jeopardy, given the unforgiving nature of the stacked Western Conference.
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