Grizzlies star Ja Morant issues statement on overcoming ‘outside’ distractions
By Mark Nilon
Over the past year and change, Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant has found himself coming into a few run-ins with troubling off-court shenanigans and tomfoolery.
His latest transgression came in the form of a concerning social media video where he was seen wielding a firearm whilst in a car with friends, which, ultimately, has resulted in a 25-game suspension to start the upcoming campaign.
Since this bit of news broke, Morant has remained rather quiet on social media, with his first personally penned X (previously known as Twitter) post coming just recently following a nearly three-month period of dormancy.
On September 27, the Grizzlies guard would once again break his silence on another online platform, as he posted a touching video on his personal Instagram account showing him “Sharing the love for the game with the community” at a surprise event for “young hoopers” in Memphis.
In the near-minute-long clip, Morant addressed those in attendance and provided words of advice and overall wisdom, even touching on how he believes one should approach obstacles that could, in his words, “distract you from your ultimate goal.”
Grizzlies star Ja Morant opens up on how to best approach outside distractions
"“Believe in yourself, you know, have the confidence in yourself,” Morant said. “There’s going to be a lot of outside stuff that can distract you from your ultimate goal. Just stay locked in, tune it out, and stay true to yourself.”"
Morant’s silence this summer has been a sign to some that he’s privately looking to work on rebranding himself, and viral images posted online only furthered confidence among fans, as he was seen working out both in the weight room and on the hardwood, donning shirts with inspirational messages of “accountability,” “gratitude,” and “rebirth” written out on the front.
Despite being just 24 years old, the guard has already proven himself to be one of the best talents in the entire association.
With two All-Star nods and an All-NBA selection under his belt, Morant finds himself coming off one of the best seasons of his young yet illustrious career, as he posted tremendous averages of 26.2 points, 8.1 assists, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.1 steals on 46.6 percent shooting from the field.
Now, heading into year five, even with his suspension looming there are those who believe he could be in line for a career-best campaign with the Grizzlies assuming he stays out of any more trouble.
Based on recent buzz and his own actions, all signs currently seem to be pointing up.