Memphis Grizzlies Coach Reveals 'Unique Circumstance' For Ja Morant

Ja Morant will be ready to hit the court with his team in December when his 25 games suspension is up.

On Media Day, Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins revealed a "unique circumstance" that will ensure the star player is ready to go!

During Media Day, Jenkins told the Grizzlies' in-house media team that Morant is able to be "around us full-time."

"From our understanding right now, outside of not being able to play in preseason games and the first 25 regular season games, he's gonna be around us full-time," Jenkins said. "He's part of our group."

He continued to explain that they are "fired up" about having Morant with the team full-time.

"Obviously, it's a unique circumstance, we're going to have to navigate," Jenkins said. "I think everyone understands it, and it's gonna be better prepared to go into the season knowing that he's gonna be training his tail off, still fully integrated with the team and our group's going to be handling their business as we've always done."

Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman also discussed Morant's situation during Media Day, telling reporters that, "It's great for Ja and I think it's great for the group that he can be with us."

Kleiman further explained, "As you're alluding to, the NBA has basically said that as long as Ja continues to stay on track, he's going to be clear to participating in private team activities, practices, shoot arounds, traveling with the team, he's gonna be with us. Obviously, preseason games and games, the first 25, we won't see him out there, but we can't wait have him back game 26."

And while Morant is allowed to be with the team, many noticed that he wasn't seen in any photos on Media Day. Grizzlies media contributor, Myke, explained on social media why that is.

"For those who aren't/weren't aware. Ja Morant was allowed to be with the team at media day today. He was not allowed for interviews or public postings with the team," he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. "He was allowed to take his media pictures, try on jerseys, and be with the team though."

Morant is eligible to hit the court with his team on December 19 when the Grizzlies face the New Orleans Pelicans.

Morant was seen brandishing a firearm in an Instagram Live while partying in a club earlier this year and suspended for 8 games. Just a few short months later, the NBA star repeated the incident when he flashed a gun during another IG Live, which earned him a 25-game suspension at the start of the 2023-2024 NBA season.

After the second IG Live incident, Morant issued a statement taking accountability for his actions and promising to "be more responsible" moving forward.

"I know I’ve disappointed a lot of people who have supported me. This is a journey and I recognize there is more work to do. My words may not mean much right now, but I take full accountability for my action. I’m committed to continuing to work on myself," his statement reads.

"I went (to Florida) to counseling to learn how to manage stress. Cope with stress in a positive way, instead of ways I've tried to deal with it before that caused me to make mistakes."

Since being suspended, Morant has been laying low on social media, but recently shared a video on Instagram "surprising young hoopers in Memphis."

Many of Morant's fans dropped into the comment to leave positive thoughts about his video.

"Always for the kids, 🖤" one person wrote. Another added, "Aaayyyyeeee Let’s go!!! 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾"

Photos of Morant working out were shared by the Instagram account Shot By Nie recently. In the photos, Morant is making some clear statements on his situation with the shirts he's wearing.

Comments on the post share the sentiment of getting Morant back on the court.

"Rooting for my boy 💪🏾💙," one person wrote. Another said, "The return is gonna to be such a sight to see can’t wait. 🙏🏾"