Morant faces the Grizzlies: “No hard feelings”
First a star, then at the center of controversy and finally traded. Ja Morant reflects on his years in Memphis, acknowledging some regrets
Seven seasons, plenty of wins, some missed opportunities and a departure he never wanted. The relationship between Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies was anything but uneventful. On the eve of his first game against his former team, the point guard reflected on that journey without shying away from his own responsibility.
Morant now wears a Portland Trail Blazers jersey, but Memphis remains the franchise that drafted him and where he became one of the NBA’s most electrifying players.
Speaking with The Oregonian, the 27-year-old openly discussed the problems that marked his final years with the Grizzlies, acknowledging how some off-court incidents helped change the team’s future.
We were in a great place, then I got into trouble. From there, the dominoes started falling: players getting traded, new guys coming in, until it was my turn. I take responsibility for the problems I caused. But it wasn’t all my fault
Ja Morant
Ja Morant on leaving the Grizzlies: “It wasn’t all my fault”
Morant isn’t trying to erase his mistakes, but he doesn’t want them to be the only thing people remember about his time in Memphis.
The off-court controversies inevitably affected his reputation and the franchise’s, helping fracture a relationship that, just a few seasons earlier, had seemed destined to last much longer.
But he also stands by what he accomplished on the court and his role in the Grizzlies’ growth.
I know the problems I caused and the bad light I put the organization in. But you can’t erase the good I did, either
Ja Morant
Leaving the team that drafted him wasn’t part of his plan. Still, the move to the Trail Blazers appears to have given him a chance to turn the page, finding an environment where he can focus on basketball again.
A fresh start is always good. Obviously, I didn’t want to leave Memphis. That wasn’t up to me. But I’m in a good place now. I’m happy. It’s a great city with great fans. Everything has been positive so far, and I’m enjoying the experience
Ja Morant
His first meeting with the Grizzlies ended in a loss, but the result almost takes a back seat to what the game meant to Morant.