Toumas Iisalo is in the early stages of his first full season as the Grizzlies head coach but his star player is already expressing frustration with him.
After Morant struggled mightily during the team’s loss to the Lakers on Friday, Morant repeatedly told the media “Go ask the coaching staff,” and “Go ask him” when quizzed on his performance.
Asked if he had any other observations regarding the game, Morant has this reply, per Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal (Twitter link).
“According to them, probably don’t play me, honestly. That’s basically what the message was after.”
Morant scored eight points on 3 for 14 shooting with seven assists while playing 30 minutes, 58 seconds on Friday. Although he has appeared in all six of Memphis’ games this season, he has not played more than 31 minutes, 33 seconds in any game yet this season, Josh Robbins of The Athletic notes. He was also torched by Luka Doncic on the defensive end as the Lakers star poured in 44 points.
Morant wrapped up his postgame comments by denying there was anything wrong with him physically. The media didn’t get a chance to talk to the coach regarding Morant’s comments.
Former All-Star Blake Griffin, now a commentator on Amazon Prime Video, criticized Morant after the game.
“For a guy that’s making $40 million and needs to be the leader of the team, I just don’t love it. I don’t know if he was not feeling well, if he’s hurt. But that, to me, is a very bad sign and is something that … has to change,” Griffin said, per Robbins.
Morant is shooting 40.6 percent overall and just 15.6 percent on 3s. He’s in the third year of a five-year, $197.2MM contract. Memphis is off to a 3-3 start.
Morant, of course, is no stranger to controversy. He was suspended twice by the league in 2023 for conduct detrimental to the league after social media posts in which he was seen with a weapon.
Morant’s comments on Friday suggests some sort of disconnect with the current staff. Whether that leads to a trade request or the front office making him available in trade talks remains to be seen.
Ja is clearly sending a message to his coach that Cedric Coward needs to replace KCP in the starting lineup
The way he’s been playing, it’s Ja who deserves to get dropped for Coward.
Trade Ja and Edey to rockets for Sengun, sheppard and Eason
All young players
The Rockets are better off without him, and would never make that Silli trade
Ja Wick still acting like a child I see.
Oh sh*t!
Trade soon?
Gunna be so funny when Ja ends up on the Kings, Suns, Nets or Wizards.
Would be brutal if he goes to a good team and burns down their promising start by being a nightmare to work with.
That said, Ja on the Pacers right now might save their year, if he flips the switch.
Spotrac approves the Ja Morant for Andrew Nembard, Aaron Nesmith and TJ McConnell trade. Money-wise, that trade is approved. Probably have to add other parts, but its an interesting option. Siakam, Hali and Ja might be a nasty big 3 next year. Something to think about.
The Pacers are all about effort and their guards pick up the ball in the backcourt every possession on defense. Not a good fit for a player coasting on a max contract.
“The Pacers are all about effort and their guards pick up the ball in the backcourt every possession on defense. Not a good fit for a player coasting on a max contract.”
“Ja on the Pacers right now might save their year, if he flips the switch.”
You ignored the second part of what I said. You immediately decided the change of scenery would do nothing. That is incorrect to assume. Ja likely would want to show up the Grizzlies FO by balling out. I get you hate Ja personally, but that is clouding your perspective here.
Lol, the Pacers would never make that trade. Those 3 were core contributors to the finals run last season, and Ja is a way worse PG than Hali (and there’s no chance they’d be able to play them together and be better).
Ja at SG, Hali at PG, obviously
Hali led the Pacers to the Finals. He is not “bad” at PG in any way, shape or form. You are wrong. Stop saying this.
You seem to be confused. Hali is a generational PG, I’ve never said he is bad.
But Ja would be a terrible SG, because he can’t shoot.
I’m not sure Ja’s got the mindset needed to develop a shot at this stage either.
The only reason he’s shot 47% overall is from his drive and dunk game. I doubt anyone would try to trade for him at this point, no matter how unhappy he shows himself to be.
I don’t think the Pacers would do that trade simply because they’ve got a whole bunch of players they believe in that fit their entire philosophy as a franchise.
Here’s the clip – judge for yourselves
link to streamable.com
Surprising he didn’t have a gun with him at the press conference
LMFAO
Referring to Morant as a “star” is .. uh .. er .. well. He needs to develop a Bad News Barnes delivery and start speaking of himself in the third person. That would at least add some flare to his childishness and perhaps endear him to the rebel in us all. In the meantime he is just screechy, and Halloween is over.
Didn’t know that the coaching has made Ja shoot 15% from 3 this season!
My guess is he doesn’t like being in an offense that doesn’t run many pick and rolls.
Without his buddy Bain, new coach/system, small market, losing games, legal issues, law suites.. he needs a reset, but isn’t disciplened to make the right choices.
Not doing gun related Things anymore does not Keep him from being a childish malcontent.
Memphis should Look for desperate teams to get any value via trade out of Ja.