Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant became one of the most controversial stars in the NBA a few years ago after he was seen flashing real guns on IG Live and at clubs. After serving a lengthy suspension and facing mass public ridicule, Morant seemed to have cleaned up his act until two days ago, when he responded to Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield doing finger guns at him by reperating the gesture.
The NBA investigated Morant and Hield for the gesture, showing they’re taking no prisoners regarding this matter. Nonetheless, Morant repeated the gesture less than 24 hours after the NBA’s investigation after nailing a three-pointer against the Miami Heat.
Ja Morant after the 3PM. 👀
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 4, 2025
Given Morant’s history, it’ll be impossible for the NBA to dismiss this as an innocuous gesture. He did it hours after the NBA announced no further action on their investigation into Hield and Morant making the gesture two days ago.
They specifically said the intent didn’t seem to be violent, although they also made it clear they frown upon gestures like this. The fact that the NBA all but implied every player needs to stop gun-related celebrations when they released their statement on the Hield-Morant matter, their response to Ja doing it now will be interesting.
Morant’s actions had no impact on his production. He ended the game with 30 points (11-22 FG), five rebounds, and three assists, nailing the game-winner to end the Heat’s six-game winning streak.
JA MORANT GAME WINNER 🔥 pic.twitter.com/LpgnaZPEf0
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 4, 2025
This kind of performance shows that Morant is still one of the best guards in the NBA, provided he can stay focused on the court.
Making a gun gesture as a taunt shouldn’t be encouraged, but it shouldn’t be punished either. However, if the NBA wants, Morant is the easiest player to set an example out of right now. The NBPA will likely contest any punishment the league tries handing Morant for this, so this could get more complicated going forward.
There really shouldn’t be a compulsion to default to gun signs on the court. I understand that these players are ‘shooting,’ but they’re also public figures, whether they like it or not. The NBA has always had a small fuse when it comes to firearms, so Morant shouldn’t get too comfortable if he thinks the league will just ignore him for repeating finger guns.
