MEMPHIS – Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant insists he’s learned many important lessons as he nears the end his NBA-mandated, 25-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the league.
Perhaps first among them is that actions more than words will prove he’s moved beyond some of the costly mistakes that have drastically impacted his image and part of his team’s season.
“I can’t make nobody believe me outside of my actions,” Morant said in Friday’s press conference at FedExForum as his return from suspension looms. “So, answering this question with just words probably won’t mean nothing to nobody.”
That may be true for Morant, twice banished this year for brandishing a firearm on social media – with the second violation resulting in the league benching him to start his fifth NBA season.
After sitting out Friday against Houston, Morant is set to serve the final game of his suspension on Monday in Oklahoma City. On Tuesday, the two-time NBA All-Star is eligible to return in New Orleans when the Grizzlies face the Pelicans in a TNT nationally-televised game.
The buildup to that game has Morant anxious and antsy for his first NBA action since the Grizzlies were eliminated by the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the playoffs last spring. Although parameters of the suspension allowed Morant to practice and travel with the Grizzlies since training camp started in October, next week will be his first game in eight months.
Morant, 24, was equal parts deliberate, remorseful, reflective and appreciative as he spoke during a 15-minute media session also attended by Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins and President of basketball operations Zach Kleiman.
Here are five of Morant’s most intriguing statements as he prepares to return to NBA action.
On NBA commissioner Adam Silver checking in with Morant on his progress:
“It was good. He was just checking in on me to see how I was doing and how the process was going. It was pretty much (just) that.
“I feel like it’s still a process. I’m not done yet learning myself or learning new things. I definitely see why the things that happened happened. In the end, I feel like it’s made me better.”
On how difficult it has been to be sidelined an extended period and unable to play:
“It was definitely tough. Some horrible days. But with the support I’ve had throughout this process, it’s definitely helped a lot. It’s pretty much all I could lean on during that time.
“Basketball has been something I’ve been doing my whole life, something that’s therapeutic for me. Taking that away makes it tougher. But I’ve had the right people around me, from my family to the organization to my other partners that have helped me along the process.”
Self-reflecting on what Morant has learned about himself and those around him:
“A lot of learning. A lot of teaching. Obviously, I wouldn’t say I regret it. I’m not happy that it happened. But I’m also grateful that I’ve had this opportunity to reflect on not only what’s needed for me but for my family as well.
“For us to realize pretty much what’s all at stake, ways we can keep each other happy and how we have each other’s back. We’ve been close before, but we came together even more during this process.”
On what Morant has learned about the Grizzlies as they’ve struggles without him amid a 6-17 start:
“Definitely there’s some guilt in that. I’m not on the floor and nobody likes losing. I take full responsibility in that. Obviously, I’m not on the floor, but the decisions I’ve made didn’t allow me to be out there to go to battle with my team.
“As far as where we stand, I’m not worried at all. We’ve had guys out, but we’ve been preaching over the years the next-man-up mentality. I don’t think it will be long before we find (success). We’re taking strides in the right direction as of now. The only way for us to go is up.”
On Morant anticipating his first games back next week, and his message to Grizzlies fans:
“I’m just going on the court and be Ja, man. Every time I go out there on the court, I just want to give it my all and focus on getting the win . . . I’m not forcing a historic game in my first game back.
“I’m just super-excited to be back out there with the team . . . My only message (to fans) is I’m just as excited to see them, when that time comes.”
Morant’s words obviously warrant attention.
But he knows only his actions – on and off the court – will reveal progress.