Ja Morant not here to be ‘Face of NBA,’ asserts father of superstar as son makes electric return from 25-game suspension

Ja Morant had 34 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists in his first game after coming from the suspension.

Ja Morant not here to be ‘Face of NBA,’ asserts father of superstar as son makes electric return from 25-game suspension

Ja Morant and Tee Morant (Credits: Andscape and Sports Illustrated

In 2023, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant underwent a thrill ride. In addition to dealing with a lawsuit against him, Morant received two suspensions from the NBA. The suspension forced him to miss 25 games in 2023–2024. It would naturally brand the Grizzlies star as a “bad egg” by the public. Tee Morant, Ja’s father, countered and gave a different account of his son.

Tee, the father of Ja Morant, had the chance to share with the public what his son was like behind the scenes. He revealed it during a segment on SiriusXM NBA Radio. Ja is a family man, according to Tee, and he worked hard to establish himself as a man that people could respect. In an open conversation, Tee Morant discussed his commitment to serving as the greatest role model for children.

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This is what Tee Morant said:

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My son’s job is to try to win championships for the Memphis Grizzlies. Face of the league – that comes from other people’s opinions. First of all. Second of all, it was a lot of faces of the league that did things way worse than my son.
Tee Morant via SiriusXM NBA Radio

Regarding the dispute that resulted in Ja’s suspension, he questioned what crime his son committed. Since so many young people look up to him, He revealed to have talked to Ja about the suspension. The reason for this controversy is the NBA suspended that Ja Morant for the first 25 games of the current season. After an internet video of Ja holding a gun surfaced, this suspension happened.

Ja Morant’s return after the suspension was historic

Ja Morant’s team defeated the New Orleans Pelicans in a thrilling game to celebrate his return from suspension. The Memphis Grizzlies guard led his team to a 115-113 victory at the Smoothie King Centre on Tuesday with 34 points, six rebounds, and eight assists. But his game-winning buzzer beater, which showcased older styles in Ja at his best, was the high point.

Ja Morant
Ja Morant (Credits: Henry Herald)

In the game’s closing seconds, Ja sped through defender Herb Jones to put one in instead of his typical sprint to the hoop. Morant dribbled between his legs to get into the path, twisted, and served out a floater. Jones went up to block the ball after first attempting to whack at it. Before they made it, Ja’s layup lingered on the rim briefly.

The Grizzlies may be relieved to have Ja Morant back, but even he understands that the work is far from done. Memphis has a lower record than a winning percentage. With a record of 9–17 and a 13th-place finish in the crowded West, they must put in a strong final stretch before the All-Star break and then keep winning to secure a postseason berth.

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