Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN believes NBA commissioner Adam Silver could come down very hard on Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant, who was seen holding a gun during an IG Live video for a second time.
Morant was suspended for eight games after the first gun incident in March. His punishment this time around will likely be much more severe.
“Adam Silver was very intentional in his words last night,” Wojnarowski said. “It does not bode well for Ja Morant. Listen, I think when you start to look at possible lengths of suspension, and that’s what we’re talking about, he’s going to be suspended. I think an interesting number to look at is 17 because now the NBA, at its disposal, has a new rule that a player has to play 65 games in the regular season to be eligible for post-season awards.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ja Morant & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
“So for Ja Morant, 17 games off the top immediately would make him, or 18 games, would make him ineligible for post-season awards. What you heard from Adam Silver last night is what a lot of people all around the league in Memphis, everywhere believe that no one’s going to be able to say this time, ‘Hey Adam, you went too lightly on Ja Morant.'”
Silver told reporters before Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and Denver Nuggets that he would wait to announce Morant’s punishment for flashing a gun for a second time. Morant has already been suspended from all Memphis offseason activities.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ja Morant & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Morant signed a five-year, $194.3 million designated rookie contract extension with Memphis in July 2022. He averaged 26.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 8.1 assists this season while shooting 46.6% from the field, 30.7% from beyond the arc, and 74.8% from the free-throw line.
The Grizzlies lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 2023 playoffs in six games.
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