Ja Morant is currently at odds with the Memphis Grizzlies amid their three-game losing streak, and a breakup between the two parties seems to be on the horizon.
However, many analysts believe Morant’s trade value is low because of his current situation, and Hall of Fame forward Carmelo Anthony believes the best course of action is for Morant to focus on his game and manage his emotions.
“Ja has to man up,” Anthony said of Morant on NBC’s NBA coverage on Peacock. “You’re being tested again to see if you’re gonna fold or withstand the test of time. The coaches are testing you, the organization is testing you. The city, the fans is testing you.”
“For me, how are you gonna bounce back? How are you gonna move on from this, how you gonna own up, man up, look yourself in the mirror, take ownership to your part and still go out there and do what you gotta do? Put your big boy pants on, let’s go play basketball,” he added.
Memphis Grizzlies News: Ja Morant could be on his way out, claims four-time NBA champion
Draymond Green knows all about locker room dysfunction, and the Golden State Warriors enforcer believes it’s only a matter of time before Ja Morant will depart from the Memphis Grizzlies.
“When I look at this suspension, I say: ‘Okay, they went and hired an assistant coach I’m almost certain Ja didn’t sign off on. But they’re showing you, they don’t care what you think.’ And usually, when they show stars that they don’t care what they think, the next move is usually you. You have to wonder if that’s what’s brewing in Memphis,” Green said on his podcast.
“You have to wonder: does Ja Morant finish his career, excuse me, does he even finish this season in Memphis? Because now you’re playing with fire. The question is: how does Ja come back from this suspension? Does he return thrilled and energized to be back with his teammates? Or does he come back with a different energy — disengaged, distant? In the words of Marshawn Lynch: ‘Be in there so he don’t get fined.’ Will that be the reality?” he added.
