Ja Morant is not just an on-court phenom for the Memphis Grizzlies—his game is built on a mix of explosiveness, creativity, and leadership that few can match. However, despite his superstar potential, some free agents seem reluctant to join him in Memphis. According to a piece by Scott Thoma, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith believes Morant might be a significant reason players are avoiding the team.
“The people in Memphis, it’s a great sports town — great fans, great people — but there’s an element there where cats like Jimmy Butler and others don’t feel like it’s the safest environment,” Smith explained, via Front Office Sports.
“I’m talking to the local authorities in Memphis. You’ve got to clean some of that stuff up because it’s dissuasive to NBA players. They have talked about it. I know. They’ve told me. That’s all I’m saying.”
Gun-Related Incidents Plaguing Morant
Morant made a name for himself early in his career as a two-time All-Star with highlight-reel athleticism. Yet, his off-court behavior—specifically involving firearms—has consistently made headlines for the wrong reasons and created obstacles in his professional journey.
It began when he was caught on Instagram Live flashing a gun at a nightclub. The video went viral, leading to a suspension from the Grizzlies and an eight-game ban from the NBA. He later entered counseling and publicly apologized. But the controversy didn’t end there.
A few months later, another video emerged—this time showing Morant handling a firearm inside a car. The league responded with a longer suspension and required him to attend further counseling. Concerns have mounted among teammates, team officials, and NBA leadership about his decision-making and the lack of accountability.
Injury Concerns
On top of off-court distractions, Morant has dealt with a number of minor injuries over the seasons. While none have been career-threatening, issues with his knees, ankles, wrists, and back have led to skipped practices and reduced game readiness—critical for a player whose performance hinges on peak athleticism.
> “Did you know he was on the injured list 15 times this season with eight different ailments — hamstring, shoulder, knee, foot, hip, thigh, illness?” said Smith.
“Fifteen times. The best ability is availability. If there’s a question about his availability, now it’s a different discussion. I need you on that damn court,” said Smith.
While Morant remains one of the NBA’s most electrifying talents, his continued struggles with injuries and firearm-related incidents have hurt his reputation and made it harder to attract star teammates. For a franchise like Memphis, which is trying to build a championship-caliber team, Morant’s next step must include staying healthy, steering clear of off-court drama, and proving he can lead by example.
