Ja Morant’s high-flying, electric style of basketball entertains millions of basketball fans around the world. At just 26 years of age, he is entering the prime of his NBA career, making him a commendable candidate for the “face of the league.” Despite the excitement surrounding the Memphis Grizzlies’ star, he is firm on his stance regarding this topic. Morant does not need the spotlight that comes with that title.
Does Ja Morant Want to Avoid Being the Face of the NBA?
When asked whether he would take the title, Morant gave a simple, blunt response. “I play basketball for the love of the game, not to be the face of the NBA,” he said.
Morant does not welcome any outside noise, even though he hears fans and media attempting to convince him otherwise. Morant’s recent signature 3-point celebration emphasizes his stance even more.
Toward the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, he appeared to emulate throwing a grenade after cashing in from beyond the arc. The two-time All-Star then covered his ears for the “explosion.” He later clarified his reasoning behind the controversial move.
“I’m gonna take my words, I’m gonna throw them out there, and Imma block out the noise,” replied Morant. The celebration created controversy due to Morant’s past issues involving showing firearms on social media.
Ja Morant was a 6’2, zero star recruit that committed to his only offer, Murray State
Now he’s one of the best players in the NBA
Run your own race 📶
— Hoop Herald (@TheHoopHerald) October 28, 2025
The NBA suspended him for 25 games to start the 2023-24 campaign for the second gun-related incident, thanks to Commissioner Adam Silver’s “conduct detrimental to the Association” clause. Morant wants his game on the court to do the talking and let others figure out if he is the next face of the association. “Me pretty much just going out there and doing that had me in those conversations,” he said confidently.
Can Morant be the next face of the NBA? If he stays healthy, it is possible, but it does not make a difference to Memphis’ franchise centerpiece. That is all trivial noise to him.
Winning and Staying Healthy Matter as the Face of the League
Morant has not stayed healthy throughout his career. He played 67 games when he won the 2019-20 Rookie of the Year award, but has been unable to replicate that. In the 2023-24 season, the NBA implemented a 65-game minimum rule to qualify for end-of-season rewards. It was a way to discourage “load management” and encourage players to play more games to be incentivized. Morant has not fit this criterion since his rookie campaign.
Memphis made a big move over the summer, trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic. The team received three unprotected first-round picks, a pick swap, and Cole Anthony and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The Grizzlies gained ample financial and draft capital flexibility to go after a star soon.
If Morant puts his squad in this position, he could become the face of the league. Even though he does not want to go down that path, what’s meant to be will happen. It’s like LeBron James not wanting to be an NBA legend, but putting up the performance for the love of the game.