Memphis Grizzlies suspend Ja Morant for one game due to conduct that was detrimental to the team. Morant’s absence is a result of an exchange between him and coach Tuomas Iliaso after the 117-112 defeat to Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. Morant made some pointed comments in the aftermath of the loss in NBA Cup group action. He also made postgame remarks about the Grizzlies coaching staff. Morant will miss the game against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday as a consequence. The suspension will cost him a total of $272,042, which is 1/145th of his salary of more than $39,000,000. The All Star guard finished with eight points, seven assists and 31 minutes. Morant went 3-of-14 in the field. He was a non-factor at the end of the game. He repeatedly told reporters “go ask the coaches.” Morant responded to a question about how the Grizzlies might have gotten a better result by saying “accordingly, they probably wouldn’t play me.” It was basically the message. It’s cool.”
Morant’s delivery of the phrase “it is cool” here is one of the least convincing in history, and he clearly feels frustrated by his coaches. Morant’s poor shooting performance was not the only thing that concerned Grizzlies supporters. It was also the lack of energy from a player who is known to bring energy to the court. Blake Griffin even called it out in the Amazon postgame program.
Taylor Jenkins, the Grizzlies’ former coach, was fired at the conclusion of last year. Iisalo replaced Jenkins, who had reverted to a different offensive scheme earlier in last year, one that did not fit Morant’s style. It seemed that after trading Desmond Bane in the summer they would once again focus on Morant to be the offensive engine. But this is not what happened.
It’s not a bad start for the Grizzlies, as they are currently 3-3. But their wins came against some of the worst teams to begin the season — the Phoenix Suns (in the NBA), Indiana Pacers, and New Orleans Pelicans. The Grizzlies have been outclassed against playoff-caliber teams. If Iisalo, the coaching staff, and Morant were trying to set a tone by being harsh on their star player, this didn’t go over well. Morant feels unwanted and isolated at the moment. It’s not the best place for a new coaching team to be. Morant’s remarks Friday night will certainly catch the attention from teams across the league, who will be watching whether the frustrations diminish or grow.
2025-11-01 20:36:34
