On Tuesday, Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins addressed the media again about the never-ending discussions around Ja Morant, reiterating that the franchise centerpiece will be out indefinitely as he takes his own “healing process.”
Jenkins also noted that Morant is fully aware that he has made “difficult decisions and poor choices” that he should be accountable for.
“He’s definitely embracing the mistakes that he’s made, but only time will tell,” Jenkins said, via Associated Press’ Beth Harris. “We’re going to support him and we’re going to hold him accountable to make those changes.”
Morant placed himself again at the center of controversy last week. Hours after the Grizzlies’ Friday loss against the Denver Nuggets, he then took a swipe for an Instagram live and was caught flashing a gun during a nightclub party – sparking public chatter around the NBA.
This unethical action prompted the Memphis brass to initially suspend him for at least two games, with the league taking their own move to investigate the incident. Morant, regretful to what happened, deactivated his social media accounts and proceeded to air his apologies as he is set to seek time to improve his mental wellness.
As such, Colorado police authorities announced that they were investigating the Morant fiasco, determining if the star guard has violated any of the state’s gun laws.
“We love him, we want what’s best for him, we support him. It’s going to be a difficult process but we’ve got a great group to get through this,” Jenkins continued in his pregame presser before taking the L.A. Lakers.
Morant also drew flak last January when it was reported that along with his contemporaries, they threatened a group of Indiana road party members upon pointing a red laser light. This led to the NBA and Grizzlies team banning the friends of the All-Star for a year during home games.
Being the Grizzlies’ currently established cornerstone, Jenkins is hopeful and optimistic that after all what happened, Morant will be able to reflect and redeem himself for the better.
The young Grizzlies team remains in position as one of the most notable contending teams this season, and they will certainly keep their patience intact for Morant before postseason time hits.
“This is a tough time for a young kid that’s got to grow and get better,” Jenkins said. “He’s got huge responsibilities not just for the team, for the city, but I know how he’s built with that care factor and what steps he’s now taking. It’s a step in the direction of really being the best version of himself.”
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