Not so long ago, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant was considered to be one of the future faces of the NBA. Fast forward to today, and the former No. 2 pick’s fall from grace has turned him into a major problem for his organization.
Morant’s recent history of suspensions, injury, questionable behavior, and stand-offs with the coaching staff has taken a huge toll on his reputation around the league. To add insult to injury, he hasn’t been as explosive and impactful when he’s been healthy enough to play.
The Grizzlies have struggled to stay afloat this season, and Morant has been tangled up in some trade rumors already. However, according to a report by ESPN insiders Bobby Marks and Tim McMahon, executives around the league don’t want much to do with the former All-Star:
NBA executive says Ja Morant is a ‘pain in the ass’
Besides his issues off the court and steep salary, his reckless style of play and all the injuries have made some teams feel that he’s walking the same path as Derrick Rose or John Wall:
“‘The combination of pain in the ass, injury prone, not that good anymore and big contract is a bad one,’ said an East executive, who added that he wouldn't want Morant on his roster regardless of salary. Morant is only 26, but some talent evaluators around the league believe that his best years have already passed. Those skeptics compare Morant to Derrick Rose and John Wall -- smaller guards who relied heavily on spectacular athleticism that was sapped by injuries, shortening their stints as superstars,” read the report.
Wall and Rose were two of the fastest, most athletic, and explosive guards in the game, just like Morant. However, their bodies failed to withstand the wear and tear and the physicality of the league and their high-flying style of play, and injuries ultimately derailed both of their careers.
Morant has already missed ten of his team’s 22 games this season, and even when he’s been out there, he hasn’t been as aggressive in his drives and has struggled to get to the rim. So far, he’s averaging 17.9 points and 7.6 assists per game on 35.9% from the floor and 16.7% from beyond the arc.
And with a salary of roughly $39.6 million a year and a history of power struggles with his coaches, it’s easy to understand why most teams might be hesitant to inquire about his availability.