Ja Morant’s Downward Spiral: Why the Grizzlies’ Star Can’t Seem to Get Out of His Own Way

There’s no denying that Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant is one of the most electrifying players in the NBA today. His explosive athleticism, dazzling dunks, and fearless style of play have made him a generational talent and a franchise cornerstone. Yet, despite his undeniable gifts, Morant’s off-court decisions continue to cast a long shadow over his on-court brilliance.

The former No. 2 overall pick, who was once heralded as the future face of the league, has repeatedly stunted his growth as both a player and a leader due to lapses in judgment that have cost him dearly — not only in games missed but also in credibility.

According to Bleacher Report, Morant’s most recent controversy stems from a disappointing 117–112 home loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, during which he appeared visibly disengaged. In the postgame press conference, Morant took veiled shots at his coaching staff, repeatedly responding to questions with, “Go ask the coaching staff. Go ask them,” after being asked about the team’s collapse.

His passive-aggressive remarks reportedly came after head coach Tuomas Lisalo publicly questioned his star guard’s effort and leadership (via The Athletic). As a result, the team suspended Morant for one game for what was described as “conduct detrimental to the team.”

A Familiar Pattern of Self-Destruction

This is far from the first time Morant has found himself in hot water. During the 2023–24 season, the two-time All-Star was suspended twice — once for eight games and later for 25 — after multiple incidents involving firearms surfaced on social media (ESPN). The league stated that Morant’s behavior was “irresponsible, reckless, and potentially very dangerous,” leading to a combined 33 games missed and more than $8.3 million in lost salary.

Morant was also fined $75,000 after being caught making gun gestures following a three-point shot. The NBA later said in a statement that the act was “inappropriate and inconsistent with league values,” noting that Morant had already been warned about similar behavior.

Despite expressing remorse at times, the Grizzlies’ young star has struggled to translate those lessons into lasting maturity. Many within the organization and across the NBA community have questioned whether he truly grasps the magnitude of his actions.

Fans and Analysts Sound Off

Fans were quick to react on social media after news of his latest suspension broke. “At this point, Ja’s got more suspensions than playoff wins,” one user joked on X (formerly Twitter). Another wrote, “His fall-off has been beautiful,” while a third quipped, “He was detrimental to the court with all them bricks last game — makes sense.”

But not everyone is laughing. NBA legend Spencer Haywood publicly pleaded with Morant earlier this year to stop “ruining his family’s life” with his reckless behavior (Sports Illustrated). Many around the league still hold out hope that the 25-year-old can turn things around before it’s too late.

A War of Words With Kendrick Perkins

Adding to the drama, Morant recently exchanged heated words with ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins, who claimed he played a pivotal role in helping boost Morant’s profile during his rookie season. Perkins argued that his public praise of Morant “helped put Memphis on the map,” leading to a major increase in national TV coverage for the Grizzlies.

Morant, however, wasn’t having it. He clapped back on social media, writing, “You da reason for my notoriety, Perk? Come on dawg. You showing why ion fw yo kind.”

Given Morant’s recent suspension, many expect Perkins to revisit the feud on ESPN, likely using the latest incident as further proof that the young guard still has growing up to do.

The Clock Is Ticking

Once seen as a potential MVP candidate and the future of the league, Morant now finds himself fighting to protect both his reputation and his team’s faith in him. The Ringer noted that “Morant’s story has become a cautionary tale — not just about fame, but about the weight of accountability that comes with it.”

While his talent remains unquestioned, the question now is whether Ja Morant can finally learn from his missteps and lead by example — or whether his legacy will be defined by the drama he just can’t seem to avoid.