This past Thursday, the NBA issued a warning to Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant after he mimicked shooting a gun at the Golden State Warriors bench during their game on Tuesday.
The warning did not seem to phase Morant, who used the same celebration during Thursday night’s 110-108 victory against the Miami Heat. Four minutes into the first quarter, Morant hit a three-pointer and immediately performed the gun-pointing gesture at the Miami bench.
Ja Morant Embraces Villain Role
During the postgame, Morant did not seem to mind when asked about his controversial gesture. “I’m kind of used to it,” he said after Thursday’s game. “I was pretty much a villain for two years now. Every little thing, if somebody can say something negative about me, it’s going to be out there. So, yeah. I don’t care no more.”
While Morant might embrace the villain role, the NBA is not backing down. Executive Vice President and head of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars announced that the NBA fined the Memphis star $75,000 for twice making an inappropriate gesture on the playing court.
The NBA has fined Ja Morant $75K for "twice making an inappropriate gesture on the playing court" pic.twitter.com/xXyWxeUlY1
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 4, 2025
The league office previously warned Morant that this gesture could be interpreted negatively.
Morant has a History of Gun Use in the NBA
Morant is no stranger to controversy when it comes to this issue. He has twice been suspended by the NBA for brandishing a gun on social media, most recently being suspended for the first 25 games of last season.
After ignoring Tuesday’s warning and carrying out the celebration on Thursday night, more punishment from the league might be headed his way.
Three-point celebrations are a staple of basketball. Nearly every player has some sort of way of celebrating a basket made. Mimicking a bow and arrow, checking your pockets, or covering your face have all been showcased and are supported by the league.
The issue reaches new heights once mimicked violence is incorporated. The NBA has a zero-tolerance policy for violence and has no problem issuing punishment to those who do not follow its guidelines.
Ja Morant has the makings of being a future face of the NBA. The two-time all-star is averaging nearly 23 points per game this season for the 6th-seeded Memphis Grizzlies and has been the face of their franchise since he came into the league in 2018.
His high-flying dunks have gone viral on social media too many times to count. He has the skills and the aura to take the reigns from LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant and be one of the names fans recognize for years to come.
Morant just cannot seem to get out of his way on this gun issue. Despite warnings, fines, and suspensions, he continues to act like this is not a problem. It is unclear what the NBA can do to deter him from further gun gestures, but we will monitor this as more information is provided.