When Ja Morant was suspended 25 games last June after flashing a gun on video for the second time, it wasn’t entirely seen as a season-breaker for the Grizzlies.
Many even felt that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver had been too light on Morant, and Memphis went a respectable 11-10 without him last season.
However, that kind of courage has been completely absent since October 25, as the Grizzlies have started the year with an abject 3-13 record.
Morant’s absence was always going to cause problems, but this was a team that posted 51 wins with the reigning Defensive Player of the Year in Jaren Jackson Jr., a talented scorer in Desmond Bane and a veteran presence in Marcus Smart after his trade from the Celtics.
But the most viral moment involving Smart so far wasn’t his trademark defense, or a three-pointer.
Jaren Jackson Jr. (center) is restrained by teammates Santi Aldama (left) and Desmond Bane as he pleads for a foul in a game against the Jazz on November 10
The Grizzlies have struggled this season without star guard Ja Morant on the court
Instead, the guard was seen (appropriately). going against his teammates during Memphis’ 22-point loss to the Timberwolves on Sunday.
“It’s embarrassing,” he reportedly shouted. Grizzlies fans certainly agree.
As Morant moves closer to a return, the irony of his suspension — which many once again viewed as light — is that Memphis’ season could be all but over once he’s back on the field.
Memphis is already 4.5 games away from the play-in, and tough games against the Mavs, Thunder and Suns loom before Morant can return next month.
Of course, Morant, for example, cannot be held personally responsible for Jackson’s shootings.
But as a franchise player (despite his health) he has a responsibility to be on the field, and it’s not shocking that his team looked rudderless without him.
Morant is currently serving a 25-match ban for brandishing firearms in two separate videos
If there’s anything positive to take from the Grizzlies’ start, it’s that they’re clearly not apathetic to what’s going on.
Coach Taylor Jenkins told reporters the team was “pissed” after the loss to Minnesota, and “they should be.”
With the team near the cellar of the Western Conference, Jenkins hopes the anger quickly translates into wins.
But Memphis’ current situation is a reminder that Morant’s mistakes affected far more than just himself.
The NBA needs to quash — or at least separate — the Chris Paul-Scott Foster beef
The long-standing feud between Chris Paul and referee Scott Foster continued Wednesday when the point guard picked up two quick technical fouls and was thrown from the Warriors’ battle with the Suns.
After arguing with Foster over a foul call, Paul appeared to call the referee a ‘b****’ before being removed from the situation by teammate Stephen Curry.
It was the final chapter in history between the pair with Paul losing thirteen consecutive playoff games, designated by Foster, with the future Hall of Famer also calling the tough referee several times throughout his career.
But Paul revealed some new information last week when he said “It’s just a situation with my son,” and said there had been a previous meeting with him, his father, ex-Clippers coach Doc Rivers and Foster.
If the league knows the details of their mutual problems, as Paul suggested after Golden State’s loss to Phoenix, why does it continue to link them together?
Warriors guard Chris Paul is seen arguing with referee Scott Foster on Wednesday night
Foster is an experienced referee and is highly regarded in the competition with 23 finals matches to his name.
If the NBA wants Foster in those games and Paul’s team happens to make a deep run, that’s fine.
But what do we gain by putting them together in largely meaningless regular season games?
Things aren’t looking good for either Paul or the league if things heat up between him and Foster, and it’s not like the latter is the only man qualified for the job.
Perhaps the “personal” issues between Paul and Foster will never be resolved, but the NBA should at least consider separating them as much as possible.
Viral Moment of the Week: Let ’em Boo, Pop!
Last week, when Kawhi Leonard faced his old team, Spurs fans booed the Clippers as he stood at the free-throw line.
San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich objected, so much so that he grabbed the arena microphone and told them to stop.
“It has no class, it’s not who we are,” he said. ‘Stop that shouting.’
Depending on who you ask, Popovich could be right.
Leonard was great for the Spurs when healthy, winning a Finals MVP in 2014.
But it’s not his place either.
Leonard’s time in San Antonio ended on a sour note, and paying customers (assuming they don’t cross the line) have the right to express their displeasure.
Those who continued to berate Leonard immediately after Popovich’s speech seemed to agree.