Concerns have mounted over Ja Morant due to his regular trend of getting into major controversies. In May, the 23-year-old once again was going viral for displaying a firearm on an Instagram live video. Basketball purists and analysts have spoken with a sense of worry and distress when it comes to the Memphis Grizzlies star. Some even believe his actions could potentially ruin his career. However, according to a 38-year-old NBA veteran, Morant went through the transition ‘too quickly’.
Speaking about himself and LeBron James, he noted how he admires Morant’s game. The veteran even shared his own story of being burdened by expectations.
NBA veteran reveals he and LeBron James have a unique perspective on young players like Ja Morant
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Chris Paul was amongst the cast on the latest episode of ‘The Shop’. The crew spoke about a plethora of topics, among which was the recent Ja Morant situation. The 2019 second-pick was given a 25-game suspension by the NBA for his actions in May earlier this year. There have been a lot of questions over Morant’s detrimental conduct – above all, when will he learn from his mistakes?
The guests on ‘The Shop’ asked CP3 about Morant, and who should be responsible for teaching him how to carry himself. Admitting he is a “big Ja fan”, Paul reminisced about the time he first saw the Grizzlies star. Notably, the two-time All-Star attended Paul’s basketball camp when in college. Prior to the camp, he was an unknown talent with little to no attention. However, after his showing at Paul’s training, the media took notice.
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The former New Orleans Pelicans guard also admitted how even his son is a fan of the 23-year-old. Yet, there was still the conversation about his behavior. Chris Paul spoke about how he and LeBron James stay young by sharing locker rooms with the young generations. According to him, what happened with Morant was a result of his rapid rise to stardom. He explained it further by remembering his impulse reaction to having significant money in his bank account as a 19-year-old.
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“No education came along with it, right? First thing I did, I went to the mall. Took my girl to the mall. Jay Gray, his girl, went to the mall. We went to the clothing store. I said, ‘Everybody get you something.'” Chris Paul believes Ja Morant has to face a lot of added responsibilities, but has no one to teach him how to deal with them.
“Everybody looking at you as being the head of your household and now, also, you want me to be the best basketball player that I got to be. And I got to learn how to deal with the media. And I got everybody asking me for this and that,” said Paul about taking charge as a mere 19-year-old rookie.
Having gone through the transition and been in the league for nearly 20 years, Paul was open to talking to Ja Morant, helping him manage his new fame. As a former president of the NBPA, CP3 can relate to the players. Similarly, he feels empathetic towards Morant and wants to help him get better.
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Do you think the Grizzlies star will redeem himself? Let us know in the comments below.