Grizzlies analyst dishes on how Ja Morant can 'restore' league reputation

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has seen quite a reputation hit over the past two seasons of action, and the one-year anniversary (March 4) of his first gun-related suspension is rapidly approaching.

Unfortunately for him, as a result of yet another firearm incident that resulted in a 25-game suspension and, more recently, his decision to undergo season-ending right shoulder surgery, the tantalizing point guard was seemingly unable to fix his semi-soiled perception with on-court play in 2023-24.

Though time is believed to heal all wounds, one analyst suggests that a bit of a kick-start to the process could be needed, as Locked on Grizzlies host Joe Mullinax recently noted that perhaps his participation in next season's NBA Slam Dunk Contest could fast-forward his resurrection tour.

Analyst believes Grizzlies star Ja Morant should do dunk contest

"If you want to talk about something to restore your place as the next great American basketball player, imagine coming back and saving the dunk contest and being that guy that is the headlining star... What better way to put yourself back in the queue score rating in a positive manner than being that dude who unseats Mac McClung and becomes that champion, and makes it cool again?"

- Joe Mullinax

This suggestion by Mullinax comes just days after the Grizzlies centerpiece himself dropped a cryptic, emoji-driven post on X (formerly Twitter) regarding his possible future involvement in the dunk contest.

One of the most electrifying dunkers the game has ever seen, the 24-year-old has displayed an unmatched brand of bounce throughout his NBA career that, over the last three seasons, has allowed him to convert on a whopping 67.4 percent of his attempts at the rim.

Though Morant has publicly noted that his involvement in the festivities is extremely unlikely, as he once told Bleacher Report's Taylor Rooks that he'd only consider doing the contest if he was paid $1 million, Mullinax is convinced that his participation would be a vital act toward reestablishing himself within the good graces of the league.