With Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant sidelined indefinitely following a string of troubling incidents, one NBA insider reiterated his concern for the 23-year-old’s well-being beyond the court.
During an appearance on a recent episode of the “Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective” podcast, Marc J. Spears said he thinks “there’s a lot going on” in regard to Morant, who is currently seeking counseling outside of Memphis.
“My prayers to him, that he figures it out. There’s things I’m hearing that I’d rather probably not say on this podcast, but I hope he’s taking care of himself,” Spears said.
“I’m not really worried about the basketball part for him right now. I’m worried about the human part, and that, when he does come back, he’s healthy, mentally and physically.”
Marc J. Spears speaks on the “Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective” podcast.TwitterSpears also speculated that Morant may not play again this season.
“My guess now is, not that you’d bet on this, is that he doesn’t play the rest of the season as he takes care of himself,” Spears said.
Morant was initially suspended for two games earlier this month after he appeared to flash a gun on Instagram Live while at a strip club in Colorado.
Morant issued a statement in the wake of the incident, stating in part how he takes “full responsibility” for his actions.
Ja Morant appears to flash a gun on Instagram Live.Twitter DJ Akademiks @Akademiks“I’m sorry to my family, teammates, coaches, fans, partners, the city of Memphis and the entire Grizzlies organization for letting you down,” Morant said.
“I’m going to take some time away to get help and work on learning better methods of dealing with stress and my overall well-being.”
Morant has also been accused of threatening a mall security guard, and allegedly punching a teenager in the head during a pickup game at his house, The Washington Post previously reported.
Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies brings up the ball during a game on Feb. 28, 2023.Getty ImagesOn Monday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Tim MacMahon reported that Morant had “entered a counseling program in Florida,” and that there is no timeline in regard to a potential return.
The Grizzlies are currently in second place in the Western Conference with a record of 41-26.
Their final game of the regular season is against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 9.
