Draymond Green has expressed concerns about Ja Morant’s recent struggles, suggesting he sensed issues surrounding the Memphis Grizzlies star even before Morant faced his latest suspension. On a recent episode of “The Draymond Green Show,” the Golden State Warriors forward shared his observations during his team’s 131-118 victory over the Grizzlies on October 27. Green recalled discussing with teammate Steph Curry the noticeable change in Morant’s demeanor, indicating he wasn’t fully engaged in the game.
“I was telling Steph, like, ‘Man, Ja ain’t in it at all. It looked like something happened — like, it ain’t Ja,’” Green stated. He noted Morant’s reluctance to take charge, as he was seen passing the ball to other players and positioning himself away from the action. Curry humorously suggested that Morant appeared to be participating in a “quiet protest.”
Shortly after their conversation, Morant faced scrutiny after the Grizzlies’ loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, downplaying his performance by deferring questions to the coaching staff regarding his limited playing time. Then, on Saturday, he was suspended for one game due to “conduct detrimental to the team.” Green interpreted this development as confirmation of his instincts, understanding that more significant issues were at play within the Grizzlies organization.
Reflecting on the decision to suspend a key player, Green shared his reservations about the approach. “I am not a big fan of suspending your top guys,” he remarked, emphasizing that such actions could risk alienating players and potentially souring relationships within the team. Having faced six suspensions in his 15-year NBA career, Green’s insights highlight the precarious balance between team discipline and maintaining camaraderie among players.
As the Grizzlies navigate this situation, the challenge lies in ensuring Morant remains engaged and focused moving forward. The outcome of this scenario could significantly impact the team’s dynamics and Morant’s future contributions on the court.