Shannon Sharpe encourages Ja Morant's appearance during Grizzlies-Mavericks game: "He's been away from his team for 10-11 days"
Shannon Sharpe believes there was nothing wrong with Ja Morant appearing during the Grizzlies' 112-108 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday. Morant has been caught up in a bevy of controversies over the last month, which raised eyebrows over him returning to the team this soon.
However, during the latest episode of Fox Sports show "Skip and Shannon: Undisputed," Sharpe encouraged Morant's presence:
"He's been away from his team for about 10-11 days... So I don't have a problem with Ja. Ja's extremely excited... I had no problem with what Ja did last night."
.@ShannonSharpe reacts to Ja Morant interrupting courtside interview with rap lyrics:
"I have no problem with what Ja did. Ja's really excited to be back with his teammates and showed emotions." https://t.co/haHPSZQYNe
Morant interrupted Santi Aldama's walkout interview after the forward had a stellar game for the Grizzlies in their comeback win. He seemed as excited as ever to congratulate his teammate. The Grizzlies set this trend during walkout interviews because they are a close-knit group, leaving no stone unturned in celebrating each other.
They've had multiple players contribute to their success in Morant's absence due to suspension. It was Aldama's turn this time to shine and help the team secure a difficult victory. He dropped 16 of his 22 points in the second half, helping Memphis erase a 16-point deficit to win the game against the Mavs.
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Ja Morant's teammates excited to have him back as he nears return
Ja Morant could be back soon in the Memphis Grizzlies lineup. He served an eight-game suspension after displaying a gun on Instagram Live following the Grizzlies' 113-97 road loss to the Denver Nuggets on March 3.
Morant's suspension ended before Monday's game against the Mavericks. However, he didn't line up as the Grizzlies ruled him out as he wasn't in game shape. However, Morant fuelled energy into Memphis' arena and his teammates just by being present on the bench.
Dillon Brooks and others couldn't help but express their joy at seeing their best player back. Here's what Brooks said after the game (via Memphis Commercial Appeal):
"You're going to see a different Ja out there who is going to be consistent every night and is going to give us that energy that we need to be that top team in the West."
Brooks also mentioned that Ja Morant offered to come off the bench once he returns as the Grizzlies have been on a roll lately. However, the former quickly turned the idea down, responding to Morant saying:
"'You're too good of a player. You're the engine of this team. We need you out there getting reps and getting acclimated to who you are as that third-quarter, fourth-quarter closer' who is yelling and screaming at everybody, who is dunking on everybody, making amazing plays, getting guys the ball being the leader he is. He's got nothing to prove to us."
The Memphis Grizzlies have won six of their past seven games in Ja Morant's absence. They are fighting for the second seed in a neck-and-neck competition with the Sacramento Kings. Inserting Morant into the lineup soon would help Memphis a lot, as they need him healthy and ready to go come playoff time.
Click here to read Brooks' interview about Morant.