Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant's season ended in January. Morant returned to the team after his 25-game suspension and played nine games until a shoulder injury ruined his season.
Morant's schedule has been open for a while with the Grizzlies winning just 27 games, but he's still battling with NBA authorities. This is NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
Morant and his colleagues use check-ins to hold the 24-year-old accountable. Morant was photographed with a gun twice in early 2023.
He and I have checked in during the season, but more significantly, working with the players' association, we have regular check-ins with him and his team. All reports are positive "Silver said.
As one of the Association's brightest emerging stars, Morant should continue to receive great evaluations. He helped the Grizzlies resurgence in recent years, so it's understandable why they struggled without him this year.
Morant won't have as much grace in the future, especially off the court, so staying on track is crucial. Many believed 25 games was too much, but he's blessed to play under Silver.
If this happened under former Commissioner David Stern, Morant may have had to sit out a campaign. Stern punished Metta Sandiford-Artest of the Indiana Pacers for 86 games
(73 regular season + 13 playoff) in 2004–05 for starting the "Malice at the Palace" riot in Detroit. Grizzlies need Morant on the court when healthy, so hopefully he's learned from the past year.