An intriguing storyline to watch this upcoming NBA season is the future of two-time All-Star guard Ja Morant. Morant’s status in the league has declined over the last two seasons due to several factors.
As he prepares for a fresh start in a new environment, the two-time All-Star reflected on his previous controversial decisions.
Ja Morant Wants To Turn The Page As He Enters New Chapter With Portland Trail Blazers
Morant recently addressed the criticism he’s dealt with while speaking to the media and said, “I mean, obviously, I’ve done what I’ve done in the past, but it’s been addressed and handled already. So I don’t see why years later that’s still a topic when nothing’s happened since.”
Ja Morant on his reputation:
“Obviously I’ve done what I’ve done in the past, but it’s been addressed and handled already. So I don’t see why years later that’s still a topic when nothing’s happened since.”
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Morant was considered a potential face of the NBA a few years ago, with the Memphis Grizzlies expected to achieve the success young teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs ultimately achieved over the last two years.
However, Morant and the organization were essentially derailed after he was suspended multiple times for his personal conduct, including a 25-game suspension in 2023. The trio of Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane were projected to lead the Grizzlies to the top of the NBA, and all three players are no longer in the organization.
Morant also served a one-game suspension last season for “conduct detrimental to the team,” which may have been the beginning of the end of his time in Memphis.
He never truly connected with Grizzlies Head Coach Tuomas Iisalo, and the organization put him on the trade market.
The Grizzlies had a tough time finding a deal due to Morant’s conduct, injury history, large salary, and his on-court performance. The organization eventually found a match, trading Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers last month.
Morant is looking to bounce back from the worst season of his career, as he shot a career low 41% from the field and 23.5% from three.
He also joins a crowded backcourt picture in Portland, with franchise legend Damian Lillard, NBA champion Jrue Holiday, and former lottery pick Scoot Henderson. Labeled as immature throughout his career, Morant’s comments show that he’s taken accountability for his actions.
Morant isn’t looking back; he’s focused on the future and helping the Trail Blazers earn their second consecutive playoff berth next season.
