In a long investigation, ESPN returns to the slow descent into hell of Ja Morant. Considered as “a perfect teammate, an altar boy” by NBA scouts at the time of the Draft, the Grizzlies leader is today suspended for 25 matches by the NBA, and our colleagues discuss the role of his father, but also the tipping point at the time of the 2022 All-Star Game .
In fact, Morant was a ticking time bomb, and his first misbehavior dates back to the pandemic-shortened season. It was 2020, and for three years, the Grizzlies never really tried to pound the table as their star player spiraled more and more out of control. And his entourage with it.
“I read the article, and I am not going to comment on anonymous sources” responded Taylor Jenkins. “I’m not really going to comment on the past. I focus on the present, on the progress he’s making, positive progress, and on the team’s progress. I want him to know that he has 100% support from us and his teammates. We’re not going to waste time on this. We have a lot to work on.”
In Memphis, we look to the future
Same story with Desmond Bane and Xavier Tillman Sr. who have been attending him for four years. “He has our support. People throw away whatever they can so that people have something to read. We are not worried about this. We are with 12 (editor’s note: Ja Morant’s number)” Bane assures, while Tillman finds it “annoying” that articles are still coming out on the subject. “Everyone is aware of the situation, and we are all working to overcome it, including him” concludes the Memphis power forward.
To help Morant, but also to fill his absence, management went looking for Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose. They are there to support the All-Star point guard, and everyone is eager to see him back on the field. It will be in December.
“We feel the best we can”concludes Tillman, who does not name his teammate, and also refers to him by his number. “We would like to have 12 on the field. This would make things much easier for everyone. »
