NBA analyst suggests Ja Morant to learn how to handle off-court business like LeBron James and Kevin Durant: "You know who gave him the blueprint?"
ESPN analyst Keyshawn Johnson believes Ja Morant should learn how to handle his business off the court like LeBron James and Kevin Durant. The Memphis Grizzlies star has found himself dealing with a bevy of controversies leading to his two-game suspension on Sunday.
Here's what Johnson said on the KJM podcast:
"You know who gave him the blueprint? LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Morant is right up there among the top players in the league, rivaling MVP candidates. He not only gave him the blueprint on how to play on the court but how to handle business off. ... Both of them.
"And if you can't follow that lead and understand who those guys are and where their careers are right now, you don't want it."
“LeBron James & Kevin Durant…gave him the blueprint.”
@keyshawn says Ja Morant needs to learn how to handle business on and off the court. #KJM https://t.co/kBqEqwZVu7
LeBron James and Kevin Durant have stayed away from off-court troubles during their careers, which have spanned 20 and 15 years. The controversies surrounding them have mostly been due to them playing for superteams, which isn't as significant of an issue as what Ja Morant finds himself in.
Morant recently got suspended for flashing a handgun in an Instagram live video on Saturday morning.
Since the start of February, the NBA has investigated Morant once already.
This happened after reports emerged of his entourage allegedly flashing a red laser possibly coming from a firearm on the Indiana Pacers' bus after a heated exchange between Morant, his father, his friend and the opposing team's players during and after a game.
The Washington Post reported last week that Morant was accused of beating a 17-year-old in a pickup game and flashing a gun at him during the offseason.
Just as these instances had cooled a little, Morant was in the spotlight for flashing a gun on his Instagram Live.
Morant has had a tremendous year with the Grizzlies, averaging 27.1 points, 6.0 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game.
However, these controversies have overshadowed his efforts on the court. Akin to Keyshawn Williams, Ja Morant has been advised by many analysts and former players to work on his off-court antics and surround himself with better associates, as these issues could impact his career.
Ja Morant faces indefinite suspension following recent controversies
Ja Morant has been suspended by the Memphis Grizzlies for two games. However, the franchise seems to have taken stricter action against its superstar. Coach Taylor Jenkins said before the Grizzlies' 135-129 loss against the LA Clippers on Sunday that Morant will get suspended indefinitely.
Here's what Jenkins said (via ESPN):
"We have said that it's going to be at least these two games. I mean, this is going be an ongoing healing process. ... It's really not a timetable situation. ... We're taking this very seriously. There's a supportive element for someone that's got to get better and needs some help. But then there's also accountability to the team that we've got to stand for."
“Ja Morant will be away from the team for the foreseeable future… The league could suspend him even on top of the two games that he’s already received”
@ShamsCharania with the latest on Ja Morant 👀
#RunItBack https://t.co/izwbfF2g1t
Ja Morant released a statement about the recent events and has taken accountability for his actions. He apologized to his team, family and the city of Memphis. Morant said he plans to take time away from the court to look after his well-being and deal with stress via better methods.
Click here to read Taylor Jenkins' comments (via ESPN).