Tag: Ja Morant

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Win Third in a Row Since Return of Ja Morant

Ja Morant drives the ball defended by Trae Young.
Ja Morant drives the ball defended by Trae Young. Credit: NBAE/Getty Images

With a final score of 125-119, the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Atlanta Hawks and pushed their winning streak to three games, their longest such streak this season.

Let’s get into it.

Once again, the Grizzlies big three of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. each scored 20 points or more, as they have in each of the games since Morant’s return. Memphis is 3-0 since his return and looks like an entirely different team on the court.

The Grizzlies were somewhat sluggish in the first half, and as has been their practice as of late, they came out in the second half and scorched their opponent. 31 of Desmond Bane’s game-high 37 points came in the second half, with 18 coming in the third quarter.

Atlanta could not withstand the Grizzlies’ second-half onslaught even with Trae Young scoring 19 of his 30 points and Sadiq Bey and Dejounte Murray scoring 10 or more points in the second half.

Memphis continues an upward trajectory since the return of Morant, and all signs point to Marcus Smart returning in the next two games. Luke Kennard should not be too far behind him, and there are reports that Brandon Clarke could be ready to return to the court after the all-star break. Suddenly moving up the standings to earn a play-in spot doesn’t seem so far-fetched.

By The Numbers:

Memphis scored a season-high 76 paint points in their victory over the Hawks. They converted Atlanta turnovers into 24 points and finished the night with 51.5 percent overall shooting.

Desmond Bane put up a game-high 37 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block, and was responsible for 5 of the Grizzlies 11 made threes.

Ja Morant closed out with 30 points, 6 rebounds, 11 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block.

Jaren Jackson Jr. spent most of the game in foul trouble, but was able to put up 20 points on 8-of-10 shooting in 23 minutes.

Ziaire Williams led the second unit with 8 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. Santi Aldama and Xavier Tillman Sr. contributed 6 points each.

Who Got Next?

The Grizzlies continue their road trip after the holiday with a return to the Big Easy on Tuesday to face off against the New Orleans Pelicans. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. CST.

Categories
Beyond the Arc Sports

Finally, 12 Returns to FedExForum

Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. walking to the bench during a timeout on December 21, 2023 as the Memphis Grizzlies faced off against the Indiana Pacers (Photo by: Sharon Brown)

Ja Morant hadn’t played at FedExForum since April 26, 2023, in Game 5 of the Western Conference quarterfinals against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Should Memphis turn their season around, Morant’s comeback from a 25-game absence will likely be remembered as a historic achievement.

Joy and excitement had been missing from the FedExForum after the Morant-less Grizzlies went 1-11. 

That all changed on Tuesday night for the 24-year-old ‘s first home game of the season. 

From Derrick Rose’s introductory remarks to the introduction of Morant in the starting lineup, the energy in the arena was apparent.

“I can say it was tough, but I can’t at the same time because obviously the tough part was not being able to be out there and enjoy and have fun with my guys,” said Morant. “Now that I’m out there, I’m making sure that we’re all having fun, no matter what, so that was pretty much just my message.”

He went on to say, “You can just tell by the energy of the team. We catch a lob, you have the bench going crazy, you have the players screaming and yelling and dapping each other up. That’s our type of basketball. That’s how we are. That’s the team we are, people we are. We are very close knit. I just preach that man, regardless of what it is, we have to have fun and celebrate the opportunities we have day in and day out.”

The Grizzlies had plenty of reasons to celebrate and when the final buzzer sounded, it was Desmond Bane, Morant, and Jaren Jackson Jr. who pulled Memphis to a 116-103 win against the Indiana Pacers. 

Bane led the way with 31 points, seven assists, and six rebounds. Jackson Jr. added 21 points while going 8-of-10 from the field and a team-high 8 rebounds. Morant finished with 20 points, a team-high 8 assists and five rebounds. 

The Grizzlies are 6-0 when Morant, Bane, and Jackson Jr. all score 20 or more points. 

It was Vince Williams Jr. shutting the water off on Pacers star Tyrese Halliburton. Halliburton went 3-of-8 from the field when Williams Jr. was his primary defender. 

“It’s great — he’s doing it every single night, and I’m happy for him, but we expect that out of him,” said Jackson Jr. of Williams Jr.’s defensive presence. “He relishes those things. He’s also a perfectionist. He wants to shut down every player on every point, and that’s not always going to happen, but the fact that he shoots for that is amazing. That’s the mentality you need going against these players to make it really hard on them. And he has all these key stops and key shots, and key ball moves and plays on stretches that we’re having that are super important.”

Ziaire Williams, Santi Aldama, and John Konchar were rejuvenated off the bench. Williams chipped in 16 points and 2 blocks, while Aldama had 13 points. Konchar ended with six points, six rebounds, and two outstanding blocked shots. 

Memphis held the number one offensive team in the association to a season-low 103 points. 

The addition of Morant improves many things for the Grizzlies, but they still recognize they have a long way to go before they can save the season.

Jackson Jr. shared his thoughts on the team’s newfound improvement with Morant in the lineup: 

Strictly From the Fans

Long-time Grizzlies fan Bailey McCormick: 

“It felt amazing! It felt like I was watching Memphis Basketball. The energy and support for Ja was off the charts. I could feel the vibe inside the forum from the fans, from his teammates, and it made for an amazing game! If I didn’t already know how the city felt about Ja Morant, last night would’ve made me believe that Ja is a superstar not only for the Grizzlies, but also for the city of Memphis as a whole!”

Season-ticket holder Frederique Worthy: 

“From the moment fans started walking into the Forum, the energy felt completely different, and in the best way. Seeing Ja return to complete our big three, just felt like a weight lifted from our collective shoulders. Smiles, high fives, and shouts of joy were shared all around.”

Up Next 

The Grizzlies head to Atlanta to take on Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday, December 23, inside State Farm Arena at 7 p.m. CT. 

Categories
Beyond the Arc Sports

Another Disappointing Home Loss for the Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks squared off at the FedExForum on Monday, December 11, 2023 (Photo by: Sharon Brown)

Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins’ answers were short when he spoke to the media after the team’s 120-113 loss to the Dallas Mavericks at FedExForum. 

The Grizzlies went from having the best home record in the association last season, 35-6, to having one of the worst, 1-10, this season. 

Jenkins was visibly frustrated with the team’s effort and energy. He said, “It’s pretty high. I mean, we’ve got to come out and create our own energy and we can’t have teams coming in here, regardless of what our roster is or whose playing and all that stuff. You’ve got to protect home court. We’ve got to come out with a better edge. We’ve found it on the road in the recent stretch. I can’t put my finger on it, but we’ve just got to play better. Our fans deserve better. We’ve got to come out here and play with more energy.”

Jaren Jackson Jr. had one of his best offensive games of the season, finishing in the paint and from beyond the arc. He led Memphis with a season-high 41 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks. Over the last four games Jackson Jr. has been consistent on the offensive end, averaging 30.8 points while shooting 53.6 percent from the field and 52 percent from the 3-point line. 

Desmond Bane continued to put the team on his back with a 28 points and eight assists performance. He said the team just has to be better when the opportunity arises. 

The Dallas bench outscored the Grizzlies bench 42-23. Vince Williams Jr. was the lone Memphis reserve in double digits, getting a near double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds. 

He also had words with the Dallas Mavericks All-NBA forward, Luka Doncic. “He was just talking shit the whole time,” Doncic said about his back-and-forth with Williams Jr. “I told him – I wish I could play him one-on-one. That’s when I got a tech. So, I don’t know. The refs have to just let us talk, you know. It’s a part of the game. I love it. I think he’s a great defender …. This game, we were both talking, and only I got the tech, so I don’t know.”

Williams Jr. descibed it as friendly competition with Doncic. When asked how he feels about guarding players like Doncic, he responded: “I feel like I have been doing a good job since the Boston game guarding the stars; so I’ve been prepared.” Doncic went 2-of-9 from the field when Williams Jr. was his primary defender. 

The two-way wing has the trust of his teammates and the seal of approval from Bane. 

“He’s a dog. He competes each and every night on the defensive end,” said Bane of  Williams, Jr. “He’s selfless and he’s out there to make the right play. If he’s open, he’s gonna shoot it. If he’s not, he’s gonna drive it or pass it to the open teammate.”

“Those are the type of guys that that win basketball games,” Bane continued. “I think you see it every time he steps out there, that he has an impact on winning. It’s not always with scoring or flashy plays, but he’s gonna make the open shot and he’s gonna dive on the floor to get the loose balls. He’s the type of guy I want on my team for sure.”

Reinforcements are Near

Ja Morant’s return can’t come soon enough for the Grizzlies. He has only three games left in his 25-game league suspension. Plus, Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart are close to returning from injury.

Jackson Jr. was reminded of how the Grizzlies had a comeback from a 6-16 start in Morant’s rookie year. He said, “Regardless of the trend of last year, whatever happens, you just think about the next games and how you can be effective and how you can turn around, and I believe we’re going to do that. I mean you never make excuses for what’s going on.”

Jackson Jr.. continued, “Everyone’s learning each other still. Everyone’s syncing up and when we sync up, we look good. Like when we’re all clicking, and we know what’s going on we look good and then we have reinforcements on the way. So, it’s good.”  

For the organization’s and fans’ sake, let’s hope that the reinforcements make a difference.

Up Next 

The Grizzlies have a two-game away and home series with former teammate Dillon Brooks and the Houston Rockets. The Grizzlies travel to Houston on Wednesday and return home on Friday for the second match-up. 

Categories
Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Fall Short Against Suns

Jaren Jackson, Jr. against Kevin Durant on December 2, 2023 as the Grizzlies battled the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)

Jaren Jackson Jr. played just 14 minutes and was benched due to foul trouble on Friday night in the Mavericks victory. He made amends by scoring a season-high 37 points in Saturday’s 116-109 loss to the Phoenix Suns. 

Jackson Jr. scored a game and season-high for Memphis on 13-of-21 shooting while adding seven rebounds, three steals, an assist, and a block. He was 6-of-6 from the field at the half. He has now scored in double figures in all but three games this season.

“Angles — it was all angles,” Jackson Jr. described what was working for him against the Suns. “That was all that was working. Just figuring out how to score tonight; just figuring it out and just driving. That is all I had going for me.” 

Although his offensive output has been off this season, the one positive aspect of his offense has been Jackson Jr.’s ability to get to the free-throw line. He is getting to the line for 6.1 attempts per game so far this season and has become one of the league’s best at drawing fouls. 

Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins praised Jackson Jr. for his efforts against Phoenix. “I mean, this was a great game for him to bounce back from the other night, Jenkins said. 

“But I’m really impressed with him just playing with force, physicality, and getting angles on guys one-on-one. Touch, finishing ability — it’s always been there.”

Jenkins continued: “And then, obviously, he unleashed it tonight. He knocked down threes, so [with] that inside-outside game that he’s capable of — stepping up to the free throw line, he had 10 free throws tonight, which is really impressive.” 

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year was not pleased, however, with how things got away in the second half. He said, “They started scoring a little bit. Sometimes, good teams just keep going. We have to figure out a way to cut that off — we did not. They just got a big lead late, and that was kind of the problem.”

Desmond Bane finished with 27 points on 10-of-17 shooting, five assists, and three rebounds for Memphis, even though he was limited in the first half due to foul trouble. Bane is averaging a career-best 23.8 points per game this season.

Vince Williams Jr. added 12 points and six rebounds in 30 minutes of action as a reserve. Williams Jr. nearly recorded his first double-double in a win against Dallas on Friday night, tallying 15 points (matching his career high) and a career-best nine rebounds.

For the Suns, Devin Booker (34) and Kevin Durant (27) combined to score 61, taking over the game for good in the second half. Durant said after the game, “That team over there (Memphis), they play extremely hard. They muddy up the game a lot. So from just playing them over the years, we knew it was going to be a back-and-forth game in the first half.”

He concluded, “Our defense was solid the whole game, and we were able to get out into transition and get some baskets to open the game up.”

The Suns used the free throw line to their advantage, getting to the line 19 more times than Memphis, finishing 35-for-43 while the Grizzlies finished 22-for-24 from the line. 

The Magic Number is Six

There are six more games until Grizzlies All-Star guard Ja Morant is scheduled to return from his 25-game league suspension. 

Up Next

Memphis will head to Detroit to take on the 0-17 Detroit Pistons at 6 p.m. CT at Little Caesars on Wednesday, December 6.

Categories
Beyond the Arc Sports

Another Grizzlies Comeback Victory in San Antonio

Jaren Jackson, Jr. against the San Antonio Spurs on November 18, 2023 (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)

On Saturday night, the depleted Memphis Grizzlies erased a 19-point deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs, 120-108. 

It was reminiscent of last season, when the Grizzlies completed a 29-point comeback as they defeated the Spurs, 126-120, in overtime.

Memphis dominated the final quarter by outscoring the Spurs 33-14 and held San Antonio to 28.6 percent shooting.

The Grizzlies have now defeated San Antonio 11 consecutive times. This is Memphis’ longest active run of victories against a single opponent, and their longest ever against the Spurs.

Despite only playing seven minutes in the first half due to foul trouble, Jaren Jackson Jr. led the way with 27 points, five rebounds, and 11-of-12 shooting from the charity stripe. For the season, the 24-year-old is averaging 20 points, six rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.7 blocks. 

Desmond Bane ended with 26 points, five rebounds, and four assists while going 8-of-15 from the field. Bane is averaging 25.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 steals.

Bismack Biyombo put up 14 points, nine rebounds, and four assists.

Santi Aldama chipped in 17 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists.

Ziaire Williams ended with 17 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. 

Derrick Rose returned to the lineup after a nine-game absence with swift moves that led to the comeback. As a reserve, Rose contributed nine points. 

Injuries

Memphis has a long list of injuries, and only four players from the main roster have been available for all 12 games: Jackson, Bane, David Roddy, and Kenneth Lofton Jr. 

Marcus Smart would have been in that number, but he suffered a foot injury in the 134-107 thrashing by the Lakers on Tuesday night. 

Smart had trouble putting weight on his left ankle after landing awkwardly on Austin Reaves’ foot in the first quarter of the game in Los Angeles. He had to be helped off the court and did not return to the game. Smart appeared on the Grizzlies bench in a walking boot. 

The Grizzlies announced on Saturday that Smart had a left foot sprain and is expected to return within 3-5 weeks. 

Up Next 

No rest for the Grizzlies, as they will host the hot Boston Celtics Sunday inside FedExForum at 7 p.m. 

Return of 12

After tonight’s game the Celtics, it will be 12 more games before Ja Morant is eligible to return from a 25-game league suspension.

Categories
Beyond the Arc Sports

Notes From Memphis Grizzlies Media Day 2023

Jaren Jackson Jr. (Credit: Aimee Stiegemeyer)

It’s about that time again – time for Memphis Grizzlies basketball.  

The Grizzlies held their preseason media day today, with general manager Zach Kleiman and head coach Taylor Jenkins available to answer questions.

Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins (Credit: Aimee Stiegemeyer)

There was also a brief media availability for each player, with the notable exception of Ja Morant.

Morant’s absence loomed large and unfortunately, that will be the case going forward. He will be serving a league-issued suspension for the first 25 games of the season.  

This means the focus, for the time being, will be on building chemistry without their star point guard.

The front office swung for the fences during the offseason, acquiring Marcus Smart from the Boston Celtics as well as signing league veteran and former Memphis Tigers basketball star Derrick Rose to a two-year contract. 

All signs are pointing to another exciting season from your Memphis Grizzlies.

Derrick Rose (Credit: Aimee Stiegemeyer)
Steven Adams (Credit: Aimee Stiegemeyer)

Here are a few things that Grizzlies fans can look forward to in the upcoming season:  

Per general manager Zach Kleiman, Ja Morant will be allowed to practice and travel with the team during his suspension. However, he will not be allowed to sit on the bench during that time.  

Forward Ziaire Williams feels confident heading into his third season. “No one has worked harder than me this summer,” said Williams. “I’m ready, you’ll see.” Williams struggled last season after missing extended time with right knee pain, attributed to patellar tendinitis.

Jaren Jackson Jr. (Credit: Aimee Stiegemeyer)

Jaren Jackson Jr. is committed to being a better rebounder this season. “It’s on my mind,” he said. “I’m coming into my size and body, so it’s no excuses.” Jackson is the reigning defensive player of the year for good reason, but he acknowledges the need to improve in this area.  

Marcus Smart (Credit: Aimee Stiegemeyer)

Marcus Smart is already locked in, and among other things, said he’s “looking forward to helping keep Jaren out of foul trouble.”  

What a coincidence – I am also looking forward to Marcus Smart keeping Jaren out of foul trouble.  

Training camp begins Tuesday, October 3rd, and the first preseason game is scheduled for October 8th at home against the Indiana Pacers. 

 Stay tuned for our upcoming season preview and for all things Memphis Grizzlies.

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News The Fly-By

MEMernet: Meet Me in Memphis?, Classic Classic, and Draw Ja

Posted to YouTube by Talks at Google

Memphis on the internet.

Meet Me in Memphis?

Jimmy Buffett got real about Memphis way back in a 2009 Talks at Google event. An employee asked if he’d ever play the city again. Buffett first couched his answer saying that he was scaling back his tours. Then, true to form, he went candid.

“That place in Memphis is a little funky, to tell you the truth,” Buffett said. “That Mud Island place to play … But there’s a good chance I could be in a bar there any given time. I still do that.”

Classic Classic

Posted to X by Southern Heritage Classic

The Tennessee State University marching band honored the school’s Memphis-born president, Glenda Glover, during the halftime performance at the Southern Heritage Classic last weekend. Somehow the band also “threw in a little something about the Alabama riverboat incident.”

Draw Ja

Posted to YouTube by Cartooning Club How to Draw

Learn how to draw a cartoon-ized Ja Morant over on the YouTube channel Cartooning Club How to Draw, which has 4.2 million subscribers.

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News The Fly-By

MEMernet: Defaced, Tiny Bombed, and Ja 2K24

Posted to FAcebook by Jerred Price

Memphis on the internet.

Erasing the Hate

A Saturday-morning power-washing erased the hate at Cooper-Young’s Rainbow Crosswalk last weekend. A hateful someone scrawled a hateful word on the street in white spray paint. The act was all over the MEMernet and local television broadcasts. Jerred Price, the principal mover to get the crosswalks installed, and others washed the word away.

“But this small act of hate was trumped with the outpour of love today from all those who helped clean it up,” Price wrote on Facebook. “Thank you [Memphis Police Department] for your help and investigation into this as well as to all those who helped clean this mess up.”

Tiny Bombed

Posted to TikTok by Sarah Galyean

Sarah Galyean put beer — Wiseacre’s Tiny Bomb, to be specific — in her hair. The TikToker was testing a conditioning method used by Catherine Zeta-Jones, mixing beer with honey. The two-part post had Galyean joking as she mixed the ingredients in a NutriBullet before pouring the mix in her hair in the shower. Verdict?

“Does my hair smell like the floor of a Dave & Buster’s? Yes,” she said. But, “this is the first celebrity beauty secret I might actually do a second time because it really does work. I’m shook.”

Ja 2K24

Posted to Instagram by @jujueditzzz on NBA Showcase 

Not official or anything. But who are we to argue?

Categories
At Large Opinion

Whooped?

Al Kapone performing “Whoop That Trick” at BSMF 2022 (Photo: Chris McCoy)

The latest Ja Morant contretemps has been batted around so much by sports pundits that it’s almost old news. The Grizzlies’ star point guard has been involved in a troubling series of incidents in the past year, including a near-fight with a teenage kid at his house, threatening a sales clerk at a mall, an incident with a laser beam being pointed at an opposing player’s vehicle, and the now-infamous Denver strip club lap dance/gun-waving scenario that got him sent to counseling and suspended for eight games by the NBA. Finally, there was the recent Instagram Live clip that showed Morant bouncing to hip-hop with a friend in a car and briefly flashing a gun. Morant issued a statement saying that he took “full accountability” for his actions.

As I write this, Morant’s fate with the NBA is in limbo, with most predicting a multi-game suspension at the beginning of next season. Is that a fair ruling, given that GOP legislators and politicians all over the country routinely run ads brandishing guns to demonstrate their love of the ammo-sexual culture? Or given that Kid Rock and other culture-war morons are now joyfully shooting cases of cross-dressing beer? Not really.

Morant did nothing illegal in that IG clip. He lives in a state where anyone can buy a gun and wear it into the nearest Arby’s — or wave it around in his car while listening to hip-hop. He lives in a state where Johnny Cash sang that he “shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die.” This incident isn’t troubling to the NBA because it’s illegal. It’s troubling because what Morant did is contrary to the image the league wants to present, which does not include the gangsta rap culture of drugs, strip clubs, gang fights, and hookers.

So maybe the Memphis Grizzlies front office ought to do some soul-searching of its own on this subject. I’m referring to the team’s embrace of the gangsta rap song, “Whoop That Trick” — which it uses as its anthem when the Grizzlies are closing out a win at home. It’s an inclusive, joyous scene, as kids, adults, and senior citizens — Black, white, and brown — chant those inspirational words about whooping someone in a strip club.

You may recall that the song was written by Memphis rapper Al Kapone for director Craig Brewer’s 2005 film, Hustle & Flow, which chronicled the rise of a Memphis pimp/would-be rapper named DJay, played by Terrence Howard. There’s a scene in the film where DJay is sitting in a studio pondering his potential hit, which he’s calling “Beat That Bitch.” His associate wisely suggests that the song wouldn’t receive much radio play, so they change the name to “Whoop That Trick.” The lyrics are still about going into a strip club and beating someone. Man or woman? Google the lyrics and decide. (And check out the words to “Fresh Prince of Utah,” another hip-hop song that became an unofficial victory anthem with its line, “It’s a parade inside my city …”)

On Twitter, when I said that “Whoop That Trick” was about a pimp beating one of his girls, many were quick to assure me that the song was “actually” about DJay whooping up on a dead-beat john and was therefore an inspirational Memphis fight song about overcoming obstacles.

So, I guess when the L.A. Johns whooped the Memphis Pimps in the playoffs last month, that was hella embarrassing, right?

The Grizzlies adopted a variation of the song (“Whoop That Clip”) during a playoff series during the team’s Grit ’n Grind era. But that was a team with a notable mean streak. Nobody messed with Z-Bo or Tony Allen. The current Grizzlies roster, with the possible exception of Canadian performance-villain Dillon Brooks, looks about as dangerous as a bunch of young Rotarians. The New Zealand center raises sheep. Brandon Clarke (another Canadian) talks like a surfer. Morant acts tough, but at his size, he’s not scaring anyone.

I get that “Whoop That Trick” is performative and part of the team’s historic ethos, but it glorifies a dead-end culture that suckers in way too many of our city’s kids — including our All-Star point guard. So maybe it’s time for everyone — from the top of the organization down to its soon-to-be-disciplined star — to do some image reassessment.

Categories
Letter From The Editor Opinion

On Ja and Guns

When guns are involved, no one is invincible. (Photo: Tom Def | Unsplash)

You’ve all heard by now that Grizzlies star Ja Morant has been seen, once again, on a social media live stream flaunting a gun. Back in March, Ja, looking a bit intoxicated, flashed a small handgun on an Instagram Live from a nightclub in Denver, Colorado. He was suspended for eight games following that incident and entered a counseling program in Florida, issuing a statement saying he needed “to get help and work on learning better methods of dealing with stress and my overall well-being.” On May 13th, another video surfaced of Ja and friends having a big time in a car, with Ja swinging a gun to and fro in the passenger seat.

A few notes: The man is 23 years old. He’s from a small (small) town — he attended high school in Sumter, South Carolina, whose population was just over 43,000 in the 2020 census; for perspective, compare that to the just under 55,000 in Southaven, Mississippi, and 628,000 in Memphis. In 2019, at the age of 19, Ja signed a four-year contract with the Memphis Grizzlies worth $39.6 million. Last summer, he signed a five-year extension, a deal worth a guaranteed $193 million, with a potential $231 million if selected for All-NBA. I’m not an avid basketball fan and couldn’t tell you what All-NBA means without googling it. But this isn’t about basketball, Ja’s talent, or even the specifics of these and other reported events (an alleged confrontation with Indiana Pacers players in January, another with a teen at his home in March). This is about a young man, just past the age to even drink alcohol or buy cigarettes, who, like most young men his age, probably wants to have a good time. But unlike most young men his age, he has risen to fame quickly and has millions of dollars to play with, and that could arguably lead to a bad decision here and there, perhaps even a sense of invincibility. With enough money, you can get away with a lot (or think you can). But — especially when guns are involved — no one is invincible.

My issue with all of this has less to do with Ja Morant — who hasn’t broken a law that I’m aware of — having a gun. My issue is that he’s recklessly brandishing a gun.

To bring it closer to home, I’ll share this. Sixteen years ago this summer, I lost a close friend in a similar incident. It was 4th of July, and he and some peers were joyriding, intoxicated, and he was in the passenger seat waving a gun. I have no idea why he’d do that. Other than he was always a little wild, the life of the party, doing crazy stuff like eating live bugs or walking across fires to see people’s reactions. But one bump in the road, a slip of the finger (we’ll never know exactly) caused the gun to go off, and he shot himself in the head. I can tell you that his sister, one of my very best friends, did not want to see her brother in that condition in a local ER. Nor did she expect that night that she’d be by his bedside as he took his last breath. In the blink of an eye, a good time turned tragic — and this is what I’m reminded of when I see people handling guns without regard.

Ja Morant is a role model for countless youth. Waving guns around in public spaces or while jamming tunes in a car with your buddies is not “cool.” And yes, I know the probability of a gun going off on accident is low, but it is never zero. Add alcohol or inexperience to the mix, and it’s a recipe for disaster — especially for young folks who’ve never been properly trained on gun safety but sadly could likely get their hands on one with little effort. Guns are for hunting, for protection — not for showing off on a live stream to thousands of impressionable followers. Unfortunately, some will want to emulate this behavior. And they will.

According to Gun Violence Archive, as of May 21st, there have been 597 unintentional shootings in the U.S. so far this year. The most recent in Memphis happened on May 17th, in which a 5-year-old was accidentally shot and injured by a sibling.

This isn’t just about Ja. It’s about a culture in which people don’t respect the fact that a gun can end a life in a split second. Promoting reckless gun use has got to stop. So many lives depend on it.