Jaren Jackson Jr., a star player for the Memphis Grizzlies, stated that he and his teammates will have no choice but to go through the first 25 games of the 2017 season without Ja Morant. However, Jackson predicted that Morant would still find ways to contribute to the team while suspended.
After Team USA’s last day of training camp here in Sin City and before the team’s first exhibition game in preparation for the FIBA World Cup against Puerto Rico on Monday night, Jackson stated, “We just need to navigate it.” “Obviously, we are aware that not having Ja is going to leave a huge hole in our team, but, you know, it’s not like he’s not going to be around. It’s just not like he’s not going to be around.
“He is going to make sure that we have everything we need to be successful in achieving that goal.”
Morant received a suspension of 25 games without pay in June for “conduct detrimental to the league” after he posed with a pistol in a car while a live-streamed video was being broadcast in May. This came a little more than two months after he initially posed with a firearm on a live stream while he was at a nightclub in Denver. Morant was punished for the May incident.
In addition, the NBA Online Betting PH has stated that during Morant’s ban, he would be prohibited from participating in “any public league or team activities, including preseason games.” This is because his suspension requires him to “meet certain conditions” before he can return to the court.
The suspension of the franchise’s all-star point guard was only one of numerous key events that occurred to the Grizzlies this summer. After a difficult first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers, Dillon Brooks, the team’s best perimeter defender and vocal leader, was not re-signed, and Tyus Jones was traded to the Washington Wizards as part of a three-team deal that brought longtime Boston Celtics star Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies. Marcus Smart had been a member of the Celtics for many years.
Until the team’s talisman can return to the court, it is expected that Smart will step in for Morant as the squad’s starting point guard. In addition, Smart will take on the role that Brooks previously held as the best defensive option on the perimeter. Jackson stated that he has already spoken with Smart and is excited to see what his predecessor as the league’s Defensive Player of the Year can bring to Memphis during the upcoming season.
Jackson referred to the inclusion of Smart and stated, “Oh, it’s dope.” “I have already texted him. It is wonderful to have someone of that caliber capable of playing on both ends of the court and who has competed in an environment conducive to winning. We are aware of the passion and heart he can offer to a squad, as well as his extensive game knowledge. His head will be in excellent shape for the huddle, the meeting, and anything else. So, this is a wonderful bonus.”
Jackson expressed his delight in the fact that his colleague Desmond Bane was able to secure a contract extension with the Grizzlies last month for a sum equaling $207 million for five years.
Jackson responded with a grin and a hearty laugh before adding, “Oh, yeah.” “I mean, he got a boatload of money,” the speaker said. Therefore, yes, without a doubt.”
When training camp for the Grizzlies returns in October, though, Jackson’s attention will be on the Grizzlies. Though, for the next few weeks, he is concentrating on his work with Team USA because he will start at center for the United States team. He expressed satisfaction with how the training camp, which ended on Sunday, was conducted.
“Good,” Jackson remarked. We are getting to know one another better. We have never engaged in any physical activity together. Therefore, getting to see a variety of people. Everyone is incredibly knowledgeable about the game. Good point guards, savvy players, and good coaches are essential. It has gone quite well. We have been working together as a group recently. The coaches were quite happy with it because there was a lot of positive energy and nice conversation. So at this point, we are all set to go.
