After serving a 25-game suspension, Ja Morant will return to the NBA court this Tuesday night (19), ending the suspense for Memphis Grizzlies supporters.
The point guard will play his first NBA game of 2023–24 against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Centre in New Orleans. At 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time), the game will be streamed live on NBA League Pass and Prime Video.
To help him connect with his new teammates, like Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose, and maintain his rhythm in the game, Morant was able to take part in all of the team’s training sessions and trips even during the penalty period.
Although the team’s star player’s return to the court as a starter is still unknown, coach Taylor Jenkins stated that he expects Ja Morant to be “at full steam” for his release, indicating that he plans to use him in the game against the Pelicans.
When the player was first suspended in March, the league did not immediately allow him to return to the pitch. The point guard was suspended from practice at the time and had to wait two more rounds to play after eight hook games.
The player has been anticipating his comeback and accepted responsibility for the Grizzlies’ awful start to the season, which has seen them lose 18 of their first 24 games.
— It was beneficial to my physical and mental health to be able to travel and train with the team. I gave a lot of thought to how I could become a more assertive player leader on the court. Observing from the outside, you are powerless to take action. At a press conference last Friday, he said, “Now I want to change that.” (15).
Ja Morant’s suspension
Ja Morant was suspended 25 games in the NBA regular season for displaying a weapon on social media for the second time — in the first instance, the suspension was eight games.
The punishment was only announced after the Denver Nuggets became champions of the 2022-23 season by beating the Miami Heat 5-1. Adam Silver, league commissioner, did not want to divert attention from the finals.
In addition to the suspension, the point guard also had to undergo a counseling program, under the supervision of the league, to “better understand the issues that led him to such acts”. Last week, Silver stated that the player did everything he was asked and met with him.
— It was difficult to stay away. They were terrible days. I won’t say I wanted this to happen, but since it did, I’m glad I had a lot of support and time to reflect on how to improve. I talked to Adam Silver, and it was a great conversation. He asked how I was, how the return process was going,” said Ja Morant.
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