The Memphis Grizzlies have sidelined their primary ball-handler, Ja Morant, for a single contest due to actions considered detrimental to the squad’s well-being.
This disciplinary measure arises from an exchange after Friday night’s 117-112 defeat against the Los Angeles Lakers, where Grizzlies’ newly appointed head coach, Tuomas Iisalo, reportedly challenged Morant’s commitment to leadership and overall effort. Sources speaking with ESPN’s Shams Charania indicated that Morant’s response was delivered in a manner perceived as unsuitable and dismissive. The confrontation occurred in the presence of the entire team, according to these sources.
Morant’s performance in the game included a season-low eight points, achieved with a 3-of-14 shooting performance, along with seven assists. He provided succinct answers when questioned about his observations of the game.
“The message I received was that I shouldn’t be playing,” Morant stated. “That’s essentially what was communicated. I’m fine with it.”
Morant further instructed reporters to direct their inquiries about his performance toward the coaching staff, refraining from providing additional details himself. Across six games, he has averaged a career-low of 28.5 minutes on the court.
Iisalo, whose postgame media briefing concluded before inquiries could be made regarding Morant’s remarks, succeeded Taylor Jenkins as head coach following Jenkins’ unexpected dismissal towards the end of the previous season. A contributing factor in Jenkins’ termination was purportedly the team’s perception that he had lost control of the locker room.
The Grizzlies’ upcoming game is against the Raptors in Toronto on Sunday.
The Associated Press provided contributions to this report.
