Ja Morant‘s decision to step away from the Grizzlies for at least two games amounts to a “de facto suspension,” according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (video link). Although the incident with Morant apparently waiving a gun at a strip club late Friday night is concerning, Wojnarowski said there’s some optimism among team officials because Morant appears to be serious about taking responsibility for his actions and seeking assistance.
“What everybody involved really wants is for Ja Morant to get whatever help he might need, whatever time and space he needs away to handle what he described as trying to get essentially a better handle on his mental well-being,” Wojnarowski said. “And I think for everybody involved who had seen over the last several months and year a pattern of behavior with Ja Morant that had worried many in Memphis, around the league, in the league office, what they have seen and heard from Ja Morant since (Saturday) morning, is contrition, is an understanding that he needs to address this.”
Wojnarowski didn’t indicate how long a league investigation into Morant’s Instagram video of Friday’s incident could take, but he points out that the NBA has been looking into matters involving Morant since an alleged assault during a pickup game at his home last July.
There’s more from the Southwest Division:
- Morant’s statement, a suspension for Dillon Brooks and confirmation of a season-ending Achilles injury to Brandon Clarke marked a flurry of bad news Saturday afternoon that’s the first real adversity for a young Grizzlies team, writes John Hollinger of The Athletic. Brooks will miss Sunday’s game against the Clippers due to an automatic suspension for reaching 16 technical fouls, and Hollinger points out that it’s an ongoing concern. Brooks will be suspended for one more game after every two technical fouls he receives for the rest of the season.
- The time that Pelicans coach Willie Green spent with the Warriors is evident in how he’s handling the team’s centers, observes Christian Clark of NOLA. Although Jonas Valanciunas is New Orleans’ main big man, 6’7″ Larry Nance Jr. has logged the most fourth-quarter minutes at center. Clark notes that Valanciunas has one year left on his contract at $15.4MM and doesn’t appear to be in the team’s long-term plans.
- Luka Doncic will face his former team when the Mavericks travel to Spain in October to play Real Madrid, according to Eurohoops.
Last year, Poole accidently tugged Morants knee. And Poole gets vilified for it. People came to Morants defense. Funny if that happened again how the opinions would be different. Accidents/incidentals on a basketball court happen. Violent behavior is no accident. I’m a gsw fan but not a big Poole fan. Green was violent in punching him. Green was hugely criticized. Deservedly so. But punching vs guns? At a practice vs in a club? True colors showing for Griz.
Luke Kennard for Miles Bridges via Sign and Trade in the offseason
Then also sign a new back up centre like Nerlens Noel.
Ja Bane Bridges JJJ Adams
Jones Brooks Williams Clarke Noel
Not only would they be great on the court but also off the court. Ja wanting to be a gangster and Bridges being a rapper and abuser. Brooks would suit that sixth man role, where he can throw up heat checks all the time and Noel gives them a big to back up Adams who they desperately miss when he’s not there.
Nobody would trade Bridges for Kennard. bridges is way way way better than a bench guy. Do you even think about these trades before posting them?
Bridges is vastly better.
Of course he’s better but you have to look at the whole picture. He’s missed the whole season so far and with his off the court issues which we all know he’s guilty of, maybe they don’t want to have him around anymore. Not to mention he’s technically a free agent and could sign with any side and the hornets have the ability to match.
So in terms of value it’s ridiculously low and the hornets don’t have much leverage at all.
So with that said, why don’t they look to get something back in return like Luke Kennard, who would be a good fit for them as a shooter. Would be great as a starter and floor spacer and sniper for Ball to hit or coming off the bench. Bridges as a FA would probably love to sign for Memphis and join that side as the build something really strong.
It’s actually a really fair deal for both teams. Hornets get a decent role player for next to a guy who might never play for them again. Memphis get a really solid player for a role player but it does come with a risk.
Looking at the whole picture is exactly why Memphis would never do this. They don’t need more off court issues.
My thoughts aswell but it’s a fun idea.
Bridges would be a huge addition, I’d even start him over Brooks and have Brooks be the 6th man. Bridges goes straight into the SF spot. Would provide a good amount of scoring and defence. Loves to get out quick in transition and that would suit an offence lead by Ja Morant. Then you have Bane and JJJ spacing the floor and Adams setting some of the best screens in the league he’d get a lot of easy buckets at the rim. Not to mention he’s a good rebounder and that for the Grizzlies would be a strength for them especially led by Steven Adams. He’s only 24, he’s got some ability shooting, can pass well and would overall be a good fit on the court.
Dillon Brooks I think suits that 6th man role, solid at both ends of the floor, likes to have the ball and get his shots up and would able to do that coming from the bench. He’s versatile, he’s got some leadership about him. Think if he embraces it he’s be amazing at it.
Overall he’s just a better player than Kennard and a better fit. It’s clear Memphis are done rebuilding and want to win games and believe they can be the next dynasty. Adding a guy like Bridges who could be a cornerstone in that would be huge.
However as you said the plunge at concern would be off the court and it’s probably the reason it won’t happen.
Is Bridges even going to play again. Doesn’t look good to me.
Grizzlies better be careful. They could become the Hawks of the West now. They definitely got issues. Losing Clarke is a big deal too.
Yeah I wouldn’t what to sign him if I’m a GM.
And for sure the Grizz would have to be careful with the off court mix if they added him cause of the Ja issues currently and there little reputation they are building for being this young, huge ego, gangster, tough side and with his off court stuff it would be a possible disaster
Idk how much you can read into these Pelicans rotations with everybody out. That said they have a lot of wing depth, almost more like Raptors than GS. In any case a little surprised to her about Valanciunas on his way out. Had been a good fit.