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Memphis Grizzlies star shipowner, Ja Morant, shot Stephen A. Smith’s statement that NBA players do not want to join the Morant team because they don’t feel safe in the city.
During the edition of “First Take” Tuesday, the panel, which included the Smith brothers and the NBA, Marcus and Markieff Morris, discussed whether the Grizzlies should exchange Morant and make a complete reconstruction after treating Desmond Bane to Orlando Magic.
Marcus Morris was asked why players do not want to be in Memphis, and Smith replied.
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Memphis Grizzlies, Ja Morant, leaves the court during the second half of a match against Oklahoma City Thunder at the PayCom center. (Alonzo Adams/Imagn images)
“People in Memphis are a great sports city, great fans, excellent people, but there is an element where cats like Jimmy Butler and others do not feel that it is the safest environment,” said Smith, through the sports of the main office.
“I am talking to the local authorities in Memphis. You have to clean some of those things because it is dissuasive for the NBA players. They have talked about it. I know. They have told me. That’s all I am saying.”
Morant did not respond directly to Smith, but gave his opinion about the situation.
The former NBA stars call Ja Morant about the celebration of Granada
“Talking about the Grizz more than the finals [laughing emoji] With these [cap emoji] Ahh Fuentes, “Morant published in X.” Instead of focusing on the actions we saw from Jdub/Shai, TJ/Siakam, how is this series. We say Sumn Negated about a city/team nationwide. “
The “First Toma” panel also discussed whether Morant wants to be with the Grizzlies in the future due to how competitive the West Conference is.
“I am in that 901 … Source: Me!” He also wrote in X, which implies that he will stay in Memphis.
Stephen A. Smith questioned whether NBA players feel safe in Memphis, and the Grizzlies guard, Ja Morant, backed up. (Kirby Lee/Imagn images)
Smith also talked about Morant directly on the program, mentioning its weapons incidents that led to NBA suspensions. Without them, said Smith, Morant is a “good brother”, although he made a “dumb error.”
Morant is one of the most electric guards in the league when he is on the court with the ability to score from anywhere, especially on the edge.
However, Smith questioned Morant’s availability after the results plagued by injury this season.
“Did you know that I was on the list of injured 15 times this season with eight different ailments: hamstrings, shoulders, knees, feet, hips, thighs, diseases?” Smith told the Morris brothers. “Fifteen times. The best ability is availability. If there is a question about your availability, now it is a different discussion. I need you in that damn court.”
Ja Morant de los Grizzlies of Memphis during a game against the San Antonio Spurs in Fedexforum on January 2, 2024 in Memphis. (Justin Ford/Getty images)
The Grizzlies finished eighth in the classification of the West Conference this season with a 48-34 record. They were swept by the eventual champion of the Oklahoma City Thunder conference, which is at a game of a NBA title after the victory of game 5 of Monday night over the Indiana Pacers.
Morant finished his sixth season at Memphis averaging 23.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 7.3 assists in 50 games.
