Will Ja Morant's 25 Game Suspension Be Shortened Due To NBPA Plea?

Despite the National Basketball Players Association, NBPA, opposing the length of Ja Morant's 25-game suspension, the suspension will not be shortened at any point.

Joe Dumars, NBA executive vice president and head of basketball operations, told The Athletic on Wednesday that the full suspension will be enforced.

The Memphis Grizzlies star will serve the entire 25-game suspension without the chance of it being shortened. His mandated absence is not expected to be extended past 25 games, which means his return to the court will likely be on December 19 when the Grizzlies face the New Orleans Pelicans.

The 25-game suspension came after Morant's second Instagram Live gun incident in May. His first IG Live incident back in March cost him eight games.

According to CBS Sports, Dumars also told The Athletic on Wednesday that Morant, 24, is "figuring it out as he goes, as a young man in the league."

"Incredible talent. And early on in his career, a lot has come his way. I personally think the worst thing you can do is completely ostracize this kid from everything with his team," Dumars said.

"The league and the Players Association and Ja and his people are in constant communication with this, and are all working together on this. From a league office standpoint, with the Players Association, with Ja and his people, everybody is collaborating together on this to make sure that this kid makes a smooth transition back to the league - whenever that is."

As for the 25-game suspension, it will remain the full length of suspension. But despite not being allowed to play games with his team, he is allowed to practice with them and be present for team meetings.

"So the 25 games are the 25 games. But I think for this 24-year-old kid to continue to grow, he needs to continue to practice every day with his team and be around his team and team meetings. And all of that stuff, I think, really helps a young guy's growth," he continued.

"He needs to be in that environment. I would hate for him to just have to go to some gym somewhere because we didn't allow him to practice, just to try to stay in shape, but he's completely isolated from everyone else. I don't think that would be, and I don't think the league thinks, that would be an optimal option to give a 24-year-old kid who's figuring it out as he goes."

After being given his suspension, NBPA Executive Director Tamika Tremaglio issued a statement calling the length of the suspension "excessive and inappropriate."

“Ja has expressed his remorse and accepted responsibility for his actions, and we support him unequivocally as he does whatever is necessary to represent himself, our players, and our league in the best possible light,” Tremaglio said in a statement.

“As to the discipline imposed, which keeps him off the court until December and requires some unstated conditions to be met before he can return, we believe it is excessive and inappropriate for several reasons, including the facts involved in this particular incident, and that it is not fair and consistent with past discipline in our league. We will explore with Ja all options and next steps.”

The NBPA shared their statement on Instagram, and the comment section had both sides of the argument represented. Some feel the 25 games is excessive, while others voiced their thoughts on why it's necessary.

"Congressmen can hold guns (and have their children (minors) photographed with guns) and send out holiday cards, but as an adult, he doesn’t have rights?! Thank you for standing by him!" one person wrote.

Another added, "He just needs to stop.. and focus on his career as you would ask any professional to do. An educator can not brandish guns driving recklessly through the city. I would be suspended. Stop playing. But I love Jah and want to see him on the court. I just want the people around him to guide him better … I’m ready for him to show the world he is ready for the weight of a king."