Ja Morant discusses return in first public comments since suspension

MEMPHIS — Ja Morant sat at a podium in front of a contingent of media members with Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins and general manager and president of operations Zach Kleiman standing off to the side Friday.

The Grizzlies point guard, speaking publicly for the first time since his 25-game suspension, was short and intentional with most of his responses, but his messaging was clear.

Morant admitted he has made ‘a lot’ of mistakes. Two of those mishaps included brandishing what appeared to be guns in two Instagram Live videos. The first incident in March led to a nine-game suspension; the second in June led to a 25-game suspension.

Now, as Morant reflects, he’s finding the balance between proving to others that he has learned from previous setbacks while also not losing the core values of who he is as a person.

‘I can’t make nobody believe me outside of my actions,’ Morant said. ‘Me answering this question with just words probably won’t mean nothing to nobody.’

Morant is expected to return Tuesday when the Grizzlies go to New Orleans to play the Pelicans. He’s been practicing with the team during his suspension, something that he said has been very helpful throughout this process.

‘I can’t go away from being Ja,’ Morant said. ‘I feel like that’s the most important thing. Not trying to lose myself or be somebody that I’m not or act totally different. The change will be my decision-making and how I go about my daily life of being a NBA player, a father, a role model (and) a son.’

Here are five takeaways from Morant’s first comments:

Ja Morant feels ‘guilt’ watching the Grizzlies

Morant said he has stayed engaged with the Grizzlies by watching film and communicating with his teammates. The Grizzlies (6-17) are off to one of the worst starts in the NBA in part because of injuries and not having Morant available.

The two-time All-Star admitted that it hasn’t been easy watching the team struggle.

‘Yes, it’s definitely some guilt in that,’ Morant said. ‘Obviously I’m not on the floor. Nobody like losing. … I take full responsibility of that. Even though I’m not on the floor, decisions I’ve made didn’t allow me to be out there to go to battle with my team.’

One day at a time with the Grizzlies

The Grizzlies will need to win and win fast when Morant returns for any chance at a playoff spot. The top six seeds in the Western Conference will make the postseason, and four other teams will compete for a play-in spot.

Morant said that those goals aren’t his focus right now.

‘The playoffs and play-in is a while from now,’ Morant said. ‘I take it day by day. I feel like each day we can get better at something.’

Morant is hopeful that the practices help shorten any potential game rust.

‘… obviously it’s different when you’re actually in the game getting game reps,’ Morant said. ‘I’m just going to try to come back, do whatever I can to help the team win. I’m not forcing a historic game in my first game back.’

Protecting his peace

Morant said the main thing he has been doing is ‘protecting his peace.’ Therapy and being more open with the people around him are ways that Morant has focused on improving his mental health.

During the more than 16 minutes that Morant spent answering questions, he used words like ‘tough’ and ‘horrible days’ to describe some of what the past few months have been like.

‘Just doing whatever I feel like that keeps me happy, keeps me in a good mood,’ Morant said. ‘Right now, honestly, I feel like the No. 1 thing outside of being around my family and having more time to spend around my daughter is being around the team. I feel like that’s normally when I have my best days, normally when I’m in my best moods. In the coming days, I’ll be even happier when it’s a consistent thing.’

Friends, family and basketball

Many former and current NBA players have spoken out about Morant’s suspension. Some have publicly stated wanting to reach out to Morant and offer advice.

‘Nah, I didn’t talk to none of them,’ Morant said. ‘I feel like I have everybody around me now that will help me get to where I want to be. No knock to anybody who wants to reach out. I feel like my family, my organizations and my veterans on this team is all I need right now.’

A bigger chip on Ja Morant’s shoulder

Morant stated at the beginning of last season that his goal was to be even better than a top 10 player. The mishaps of last season and an early playoffs exit led to him falling down the ladder in the eyes of national pundits.

Even though Morant admitted to not caring about those kind of conversations, he gave a smirk as he stood up and prepared to leave the room after he was asked if he still has the same chip on his shoulder.

‘It’s not a little small chip no more,’ Morant said. ‘It’s a share size.’

Follow Damichael Cole on social media @DamichaelC