The NBA has been through a rough stretch when it comes to controversies around its players. Whether it was the gun incident that began with Ja Morant or a ton of legal issues afterward, the league has had to evade some murky waters. However, the association as a collective unit has been stringent in working towards fixing its issues. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver made his remarks and his current equation with the Memphis Grizzlies superstar clear.
Prior to the season opener with the defending champions Denver Nuggets, Adam Silver was a guest for NBA on TNT.
NBA on TNT’s Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley, get the scoop on Ja Morant
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While the crew on NBA on TNT was ready to return, they came with a big new story. As the duo of Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley took a backseat, Ernie took over lead duties with the hard questions. To the Commisioner, Ernie had a simple one. “How much do you stay in touch with the Memphis Grizzlies? How much do you stay in touch with Ja Morant? “?
Johnson wanted Adam’s insight on where the young superstar stands in light of his Christmas Day return due to suspensions. Not one to remain coy, Silver was honest and open about his stance on the matter and his level of contact. “The league office have regular updates on Ja. We came up with a program together, a combination of counseling and other things he’s doing to work through his issues.”
But, the 61-year-old hasn’t had direct contact himself. “He and I have not talked in the last several weeks. But again, people in the league office have. His progress report has been very positive. I’m hoping he can put these incidents behind him…He’s an incredible talent.”?
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The commissioner also was supportive of Ja Morant and his honesty, claiming that the 24-year-old acknowledges his mistakes and was ready to work on them when the two last had a conversation. After a rough few months, it is refreshing to hear about the NBA veteran and his maturity in handling the entire situation.
It should come as a welcome surprise to the legendary Shaq-Chuck duo. Throughout the summer months, the two have been adamantly against the Ja Morant situation.
Shaq and Chuck are not on Ja’s side
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Perhaps, the latest development can change their perception. But, since the news first broke at the beginning of the summer, the two have been firmly against the Ja Morant ordeal. The two even had some harsh words to describe his behavioral pattern.
Shaq would first question his reasoning, claiming “You’re not a rapper”.?Barkley was far more brutal in his response, however. In response to the allegations and the people trying to defend him, the former MVP had no qualms.
Calling him, and the people defending him, a “damn idiot”,?Barkley was ruthless in his opinions.
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However, with the latest development, it seems like the Morant might be turning a new leaf. Maybe it causes a change in the perception and the legends’ opinion of him.