Last night, Ja Morant returned to the NBA hardwood after a 25-game suspension for basically being young and stupid off the court.
Unfortunately for Memphis fans, his return initially looked underwhelming as Ja appeared sluggish and out of breath. That wasn’t surprising considering he missed the first quarter of the season while serving his punishment for branding a gun in two different videos.
Morant looked winded and the broadcast team discussed the young star having a minutes restriction as he built his stamina back up. That was obvious in the first half as Morant posted only seven points and three assists while the Pelicans built a 24-point lead. If that continued in the second half, it would be understandable as it was Morant’s first game back and the Grizzlies had a 6-19 record.
But then the second half started and with it arrived the Ja Morant of old.
In the third quarter, Ja came alive and dropped 13 points and four assists, helping to cut the defecit from 19 to 10.
Then came fourth quarter Ja Morant and New Orleans was not prepared for it. That’s when Ja channeled his inner Goku and showed the NBA what happens when he unleashes his Ultra Inner Instinct.
Not only did he score 14 in the period on 5-8 shooting, he also scored Memphis’ final six points, including the game-winning shot at the buzzer.
Ja was immediately mobbed by his teammates, who missed him dearly during the team’s losing start to the season. With Ja on the court, the vibe and mentality are completely different for Memphis, something guard Desmond Bane noted after the game.
“It felt different out there, having our guy back, our leader,” said Bane.
Ja Morant brings an extra level of energy to the game and gives Memphis a superstar to rely on, especially in crunch time.
This performance is why Ja Morant was sorely missed by his teammates, the city of Memphis and the entire NBA fanbase.
And Ja must remember that every time he thinks of doing something stupid that might jeopardize his career.
It’s obvious that the first eight-game suspension and loss of $700,000 in docked salary he received for branding a gun on video at a Colorado nightclub wasn’t enough to curb his behavior, for a few months later he did the same thing in a car and was hit with the 25-game suspension.
Morant said that he experienced some “eye-opening” realizations during his suspension and vowed to change.
“The change will be in my decision-making, and how I go about my daily life of being an NBA player, a father, a role model, a brother, a son,” said Morant.
Make no mistake, the Memphis Grizzlies, his teammates and the NBA need Ja Morant to be on the court for he is a dominant force that drives success, entertainment and excitement for these parties.
But what we really all need is for Ja Morant to make better decisions about his life for himself, his family, friends and those who care about him off the court.
It’s something he acknowledged last night.
“[My support system] showed me a lot of support. They got on my a** a little bit, too,” Morant said. “I felt like it was needed, not only during this process for me, but them as well to obviously learn from me. A lot of us make mistakes. I can see how [the situation] changed them as well. I don’t wish it happened, but it definitely took me, my family, my team to the next level.”
Next level Ja Morant will be bad for opponents.
But it will be a welcome sight for everyone who loves him.
