Even though players in the NBA today have several sources of assistance to guide them in the league, some still learn a harder way. The league is increasingly producing superstars at a younger age, and the need for mentorship might be felt stronger as time passes. The Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant must surely agree as he finds himself in a bit of a pickle. The 23-year-old is a shining star of the league, but his recent actions have forced fans and even NBA stars to speak up.
In response to the latest Morant controversy, Kyle Kuzma, who won the NBA Championship in 2020, decided to share his opinion. The 27-year-old mentioned the youngster’s obvious faults and how it isn’t too late for him to seek help and be more responsible.
Kyle Kuzma speaks up on the Ja Morant gun controversy
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant recently got caught up in an unwanted controversy when he was watched flashing a gun on his Instagram Live. Following the Grizzlies’ loss against the Denver Nuggets, Morant appeared to be in a nightclub, shirtless while rapping to the music.?
After a few seconds into the clip, fans noticed Morant flashing a handgun, a sight that became instantly viral, and not totally in a good way. There have been numerous conversations on the incident, and other stars like Kyle Kuzma have come forward offering their two cents on the matter.
While talking about Morant’s Instagram Live, Kuzma said, “It’s tough man, I just feel like as Black men in our country, especially us, the position that we have, we are blessed to be 1 percenters“?Kuzma went on to add, “we are blessed to have, in his case, shoe deals, $200 Million on the horizons?we are figures, but we are role models too, and we have to realize everybody, every kid is watching this“
"We are role models… you have to realize that everybody, every kid… they're watching us."
Very poignant thoughts from Kyle Kuzma on Ja Morant and how he learned how to keep his circle tight. pic.twitter.com/ANwIjipTS8
— Chase Hughes (@chasedcsports) March 5, 2023
The Washington Wizards star went on to mention how he believes Morant would grow and learn from the unfortunate incident and that he has a “bright future”. Morant has seemingly understood the problematic incident and has since given a full statement on the issue.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Morant on his ‘gun’ incident on Instagram live
The NBA has taken Morant’s behavior very seriously and has started investigating the matter from their end. Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies have suspended J12 for at least the next two games of the season.
Watch This Story: ?Getting Thrown Like a Rag Doll?: Ugly Brawl Between Donovan Mitchell and Dillion Brooks Leaves NBA Twitter Feisty
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Amidst all this, Morant has given a statement to fans and the media. The 23-year-old apologized to his friends, family and team while mentioning how he wants to “take some time away“ to work on himself. Notably, he has deactivated all of his social media accounts after the controversy.
What do you think about Ja Morant and the gun incident? Let us know in the comments.