Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant made his first ever public appearance since the announcement of 25-game suspension. Notably, he was also almost inactive on his social media handles after the gun controversy. Moreover, he made his public appearance count, as he took on the Phoenix Suns duo Kevin Durant and Devin Booker in a recent game. Alongside the Grizzlies star, latest NBA sensation, Victor Wembanyama also chipped in for the battle against the Suns’ stars.
Morant shook the NBA world at the end of the 2022-23 NBA season when he found himself in a gun controversy. Even after prior warning and the fine imposed by the league, the star again flashed a gun on his Instagram live. Subsequently, it forced the league to slap another hefty fine and a 25-game suspension for the upcoming season. Amid this testing time, Morant attended a special basketball event organized by Nike.
Ja Morant & Wemby take on Kevin Durant & Co in the Nike tournament
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The global sports brand, Nike, has currently taken center stage of the hoops community with their new tournament. Nike’s World Basketball Festival has attracted a lot of fans around the globe, including several NBA stars. Notably, the star brand has had a long-term partnership with stars like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and many active players. Out of these stars, few graced their presence to the event, not as a player, but as a coach.
Book and KD coaching against Ja and Wemby 🔥 @nikebasketball pic.twitter.com/oBhLEEvPU9
— Overtime (@overtime) September 17, 2023
In a viral video circulating on social media, Ja Morant and Victor Wembanyama took to the courtside to take on KD and D-Book’s team. The video also featured Wemby encouraging the players from the courtside. Moreover, fans expect more stars to land in New York to witness the remainder of the event in the coming days.
Dirk Nowitzki x Ja Morant pic.twitter.com/ohfuxho7MQ
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) September 17, 2023
Furthermore, in another video clip, Morant was seen alongside Dirk Nowitzki on the sidelines.
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Despite the presence of superstars, fans in the social media comments focussed on Morant because of his recent past.
Morant reacts to the newest inclusion to his team
While the star remained inactive on social media ever since the suspension, he broke his silence for one time. The Grizzlies roped in legendary Derrick Rose in a two-year contract. Following the update, Morant took to his X, formerly known as Twitter, and reposted an edited picture of him sitting alongside Rose on the court. Many fans look at Marant’s silence on social media as a sign of improvement and expect him to break out in the upcoming season.
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Will Ja Morant make his mark in the upcoming season? Let us know in the comments below.