Ja Morant suspension tied to heated locker room moment with Grizzlies coach

Ja Morant got hit with a one-game suspension and now we have a better idea why.

ESPN’s Shams Charania said on SportsCenter Sunday that the tension had been building around Morant and Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo over rotations and usage.

Per Charania, things boiled over after Friday’s loss to the Lakers.

“In the post game locker room, Morant and Iisalo had an exchange where Iisalo called out Morant’s leadership and effort in front of the whole team,” Charania said, via Hoops Rumors. “And as teammates and staffers all looked on, Morant responded in what the team deemed an inappropriate and dismissive way.”

Team officials huddled and the decision was made to sit Morant for one game for conduct detrimental. He will serve that suspension Sunday in Toronto.

Charania added that Morant is expected to be back with the Grizzlies on Monday when they return home to face the Pistons. Both sides intend to move on.

Charania also noted that teams around the league are monitoring the situation and watching where this coach-player dynamic goes next.

Morant has struggled to start the year. He is averaging 20.3 points but is shooting only 40.6 percent from the field and 15.6 percent from three. His assists, rebounds and minutes are all career-lows through six games.

The Grizzlies are 3-3 and have been dealing with the injury bug again this fall.