Grizzlies Legend Shares Supportive Message for Ja Morant Amid Off-Court Struggles — as Reported by Grin Sports
In 2023, Memphis Grizzlies star guard Ja Morant received a 25-game suspension from the NBA for “conduct detrimental to the league” following multiple incidents where he was seen flashing firearms on social media. Although some time has passed, the controversy still follows Morant and remains a major talking point among fans and NBA analysts.
Now, in the wake of the Grizzlies’ first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder, a franchise icon has stepped up to offer Morant some encouragement.
Zach Randolph, a beloved former Grizzlies forward, recently addressed Morant’s challenges during an appearance on The Big Podcast. Acknowledging the scrutiny Morant has faced, Randolph expressed faith in the 25-year-old’s ability to recover and grow from his experiences.
“I just tell him, you’re going to be alright — just keep your head up,” Randolph said. “I’ve been through [expletive]… It’s all about how you bounce back.”
Morant appeared in only nine games during the 2023-24 season, but returned to play 50 games this past year, averaging 23.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. Despite a disappointing finish to the season, the Grizzlies are focused on rebounding in 2025-26 — a goal that hinges heavily on Morant’s presence and leadership. Just two seasons removed from being an All-Star, he remains central to Memphis’ hopes of reemerging as a Western Conference contender.
