Grizzlies suspend Ja Morant one game after comments on coaching staff

Ja Morant has been suspended one game for conduct detrimental to the team, the Grizzlies announced.

The move follows an exchange after Friday’s loss to the Lakers in which coach Tuomas Iisalo challenged Morant’s leadership and effort, and Morant responded in an inappropriate tone, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Morant struggled again in that loss. He scored eight points on 3-for-14 shooting and repeatedly brushed off questions about his play by telling reporters to “go ask the coaching staff,” via Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

He went even further when pressed.

“According to them, probably don’t play me, honestly,” Morant said.

Josh Robbins of The Athletic noted Morant hasn’t topped 31:33 in any game this season. He was also targeted defensively by Luka Doncic, who scored 44. Morant insisted he is not dealing with any physical limitations.

Former All-Star Blake Griffin, now with Amazon Prime Video, questioned Morant’s posture. Griffin said that for a $40 million leader, “I just don’t love it,” via Robbins.

Morant is shooting 40.6 percent from the field and just 15.6 percent on threes. Memphis is 3-3. He is in Year 3 of a five-year, $197.2 million deal.

He has been through controversy before. This is a new flavor of it — and suggests friction with the current staff.