Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins gives latest update on Ja Morant - “There are a lot of internal dialogues going on”
Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant remains away from the team indefinitely. However, as per ESPN's Tim MacMahon, head coach Taylor Jenkins offered an update on when the guard could potentially be back in the lineup.
Ja Morant found himself in a rather difficult position earlier in the month. After past assault allegations surfaced, Morant was suspended from basketball activities. However, his response and follow-up behavior was even more concerning.
The Grizzlies organization was forced to take action in this regard. After Morant released a statement of apology, he mentioned that he would be away from the team for an indefinite amount of time.
Although there has been no formal update on the matter, speculation has suggested that Morant could miss up to 50 games in light of his gun controversy.
Given the uncertainty surrounding the situation, Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins addressed the matter. As per ESPN's Tim MacMahon, Jenkins said:
"There are a lot of internal dialogues going on and obviously there’s still things going on at the league level that we’re in communication with. Ja’s fully engaged in this process and ready for whatever comes next after these 2 games."
Taylor Jenkins on if Ja Morant returns Fri: “There are a lot of internal dialogues going on and obviously there’s still things going on at the league level that we’re in communication with. Ja’s fully engaged in this process and ready for whatever comes next after these 2 games.”
Jenkins was referring to the news that Morant had entered a rehabilitation program in Florida. Considering that the Grizzlies play the Miami Heat on Wednesday, there was some speculation that he could join the team by Friday.
As per ESPN, Morant has also been in close contact with his teammates over phone calls. As per Grizzlies teammate and guard Tyus Jones, Morant has also had a very positive approach to the whole process.
Meanwhile, Memphis as a team have managed to stay afloat even without Ja. However, they aren't necessarily as competitive. With a 3-3 record without Morant, the Grizzlies will need to step things up a notch if they hope to retain their second-place spot in the West.
Ja Morant's damaged brand reputation
Given the fallout from the entire situation, Ja Morant still finds himself in murky waters. With several endorsement deals falling through, the Memphis Grizzlies guard has done significant damage to his brand reputation.
Morant's signature shoe line with Nike has already taken a bit of a hit following his antics as of late. He remains on thin ice with the brand. However, in more recent news, Morant's endorsement of Powerade may be in jeopardy.
The sports drink brand recently announced that they would be pulling their ad featuring the Memphis Grizzlies superstar.
Read: Powerade planning to pull their ad with Ja Morant, here’s why
Coca-Cola have also reportedly dropped their advertisements featuring Morant amidst the gun controversy. Given the sheer number of his business ventures backing out, this could potentially be a massive hit for Morant financially.
Although Morant's actions could have also had a drastic impact from a criminal standpoint, the guard wasn't charged due to lack of evidence. This is one of the few positive outcomes for the guard amidst all the chaos.
As things stand, Morant will remain away from the team. With no timetable for a return, the Grizzlies will have to manage without their superstar.