Grizzlies Legend Sends Message to Ja Morant After Personal Issues

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Elie Deglaoui | Last updated Jun 20, 2025 2:57 PM ET

Back in 2023, the NBA suspended Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant for 25 games due to what they called "conduct detrimental to the league" after multiple off-court incidents involving displaying firearms on social media. Though this incident occurred a couple of years ago, many fans and basketball personalities still discuss it, and it is a big part of the discourse surrounding Morant.

Recently, a Grizzlies legend sent a message to the Murray State alum regarding his off-court incidents just a few months after the team's early playoff exit in the first round at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Despite the discussions surrounding him, there is no doubt that Morant is one of the top guards in the NBA today and is crucial to Memphis' career. This sentiment is also shared by former Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph, who offered some encouraging words to the 25-year-old.

In a recent appearance on The Big Podcast, Randolph said Morant will "be alright" and that he must keep his "head up high."

“I just tell him, you going to be alright, just keep your head up high because I’ve been through [expletive]…It’s about how you bounce back," Randolph said about Morant.

Zach Randolph’s advice to Ja Morant:

“I just tell him, you going to be alright, just keep your head up high because I’ve been through sh*t…It’s about how you bounce back.” pic.twitter.com/hxORMbrLs4
— The Big Podcast (@bigpodwithshaq) June 19, 2025

After playing in just nine games for the Grizzlies in 2023-24, Morant played 50 games for the team this past season. On the year, he averaged 23.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.

Though they had a disappointing end to their latest campaign, the Grizzlies are aiming to bounce back in 2025-26 and re-establish themselves as legitimate contenders in the West. In order for them to do so, they must continue to rely on Morant, who is just two seasons removed from an All-Star season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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