Grizzlies' Ja Morant sends cryptic message regarding controversial celebration

Following a 25-game suspension to kick off the 2023-24 campaign, Ja Morant has helped guide the Memphis Grizzlies to a 4-2 record with him back in the fold. From the advanced metrics to a simple eye test it's evident that this team is far more effective and successful with their superstar in tow.

And yet, despite the positive effects and impacts that he brings to the table, fans and pundits are currently fixated on a celebration Morant did during a December 26 bout against the New Orleans Pelicans that, sadly, has drawn quite a bit of controversy.

To many, the movements that the 24-year-old made seemed to resemble the act of wielding and firing a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG), and, considering he's been suspended twice over the past 10 months for gun-related incidences, they have been met with a substantial amount of criticism.

Grizzlies star Ja Morant reacts to recent post on celebration dance

However, some such as the star guard himself have noted that the celebration was merely paying homage to LSU's "Rock Yo' Hips" dance, which, considering the Grizzlies were playing at Smoothie King Center, was likely a harmless taunt to the Louisianna fans in attendance.

In the days since the contest, many are still arguing that Memphis' franchise cornerstone was unfairly criticized, and on X (previously Twitter) Morant was found reacting to a recently posted video of Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers doing the same gesture, seemingly pointing out the obscenely different reaction from the media.

Despite this difference in public reactions, Morant has remained dedicated to trying to help the Grizzlies claw their way back to relevancy since making his long awaited return to the hardwood and is posting unsurprisingly impressive averages of 25.2 points, 7.8 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and just shy of a block on 46.7 percent shooting from the floor.