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NBA, Basketball Herren, USA Playoffs-Los Angeles Lakers at Memphis Grizzlies Apr 16, 2023 Memphis, Tennessee, USA Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant 12 reacts after a last second shot to end the first half during game one of the 2023 NBA playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at FedExForum. Memphis FedExForum Tennessee USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xPetrexThomasx 20230416_ams_in1_182
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1028060994h.jpg?width=600)
via Imago
NBA, Basketball Herren, USA Playoffs-Los Angeles Lakers at Memphis Grizzlies Apr 16, 2023 Memphis, Tennessee, USA Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant 12 reacts after a last second shot to end the first half during game one of the 2023 NBA playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at FedExForum. Memphis FedExForum Tennessee USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xPetrexThomasx 20230416_ams_in1_182
The life of an NBA athlete is strife with controversy. Whether it is on the court or off it, the constant media attention can get tiresome. Further, a small misstep can have major repercussions on the player’s image and respect. Unfortunately, in the case of Ja Morant, most of the blame was on the man himself. After all, he himself flashed a firearm on his own IG live in a clear violation of league policy.
However, a Boston Celtics legend, who lent a helping hand to the disgruntled star earlier, spoke out on his hopes about the young sensation.
Ja Morant: The redemption?
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The switch for the Memphis Grizzlies from grit-and-grind to flashy, high-octane young sensation was quick, sudden, and wholly welcome. But, it wasn’t rocket science to see the impact of Morant’s style on the entire team.
However, as with all redemption stories, our hero’s standing took a massive turn. In one season, Ja went from the coolest kid on the block to a troublesome youngster. The chief reason? His repeated trysts with a firearm.
After a strict reprimanding from the league for gun exposure, a second incident saw Adam Silver place a 25-game suspension on #12. However, Paul Pierce was in complete disagreement with the league.
Now, speaking on his presentation with his good friend Kevin Garnett, Pierce sent out some more words of encouragement toward the 24-year-old. “They’ve been through so much last year. But he got to really change the narrative on himself and really show people who he really is. That’s Ja Morant.
Pierce pointed to how the incident had changed the entire perception of the youngster. Most importantly, he sought his exclusion from the men’s basketball team for Team USA in spite of being one of the 10 or 15 best players in the league.
It’s not the first time that Paul has extended a supporting arm toward Morant. When his image was at an all-time low, the former Finals MVP still took his side, relating to his own experiences.
Pierce in disagreement with league verdict
In what remains one of the most unimaginably strong feats of strength and character, Paul Pierce suited up for all 82 games during the 2000-01 season.?However, that came after the 10-time All-Star had been brutally stubbed 11 times just days before training camp.
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Drawing from the horror of his own experiences, Pierce shared a moving tweet in support of Ja.??I don?t care what y?all say about Ja I carried a gun after I was stabbed y?all don?t know what he going thru everyone got something to say until u really know what?s really going on in someone life when u black and rich u a target period.”
While the tweet did not cause a softer stance from the league, it did leave a lot of people wondering. However, with a revamped roster, and a veteran PG to mentor the young Morant, can the Grizzlies bounce back?
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And more importantly, can Ja Morant return to his loveable self, completing a perfect story of redemption?
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