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Apr 26, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) looks on from the bench area during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder during game four for the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

NBA Star Ja Morant Reveals Thoughts on Instagram After Past Controversies

Originally posted on Memphis Grizzlies on SI
By Jared Knobloch | Last updated Sep 11, 2025 2:58 AM ET

Ja Morant, an All-Star for the Memphis Grizzlies, went live on his Twitch channel and took time to answer some comments from his fans in the chat.

The topic of Instagram came up, and Morant gave his opinion. "I don't even like IG (Instagram) no more man. IG changed my life," said the guard. He then continued on to other topics.

Ja Morant says he doesn’t like Instagram
“IG changed my life” pic.twitter.com/7eE8OvzGGc
— Playoff MEM (@PlayoffMem) September 10, 2025

Ja's Famous Instagram Posts

Morant was likely referring to several Instagram posts he made during the 2023 NBA season that led to him being suspended from team activities with the Grizzlies.

Grizzlies say Ja Morant is suspended from all team activities pending league review after he allegedly flashed a gun on Instagram Live pic.twitter.com/gDKlywCzSs
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 14, 2023

The Grizzlies ended up suspending Morant after he appeared to display a gun on Instagram Live while at a nightclub. He ended up missing eight games during that timeframe. The guard went to a counseling facility in Florida, but then just a few months later, he did another Instagram Live where he displayed another firearm.

This second act led to a stricter suspension of 25 games, which bled into the 2023-24 NBA season. He has not been suspended since then.

A moment that altered his career and public image, Morant has remained a lower profile since and has appeared to have changed for the better. With the Grizzlies looking to improve upon their first-round exit in 2025 next season, having Morant available and not getting into incidents will be crucial for Memphis to improve.

Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

What To Expect Next From The Memphis Grizzlies and Ja Morant

Entering the season with a new head coach after promoting interim Tuomas Iisalo, the Grizzlies' roster will look much different despite Jaren Jackson Jr. and Morant still leading the way.

The most notable change in Memphis' roster was the loss of sharpshooting guard Desmond Bane, who was dealt in a blockbuster deal to the Orlando Magic. Looking to replace his outside shooting, the Grizzlies acquired Ty Jerome, who broke out with the Cleveland Cavaliers last season. In addition, they'll look to see improvements from second-year players Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells.

Here’s a look at the potential Grizzlies depth chart for the 2025-26 season:

PG: Morant | Pippen Jr. | Spencer
SG: Caldwell-Pope | Jerome | Coward
SF: Wells | Williams Jr. | Jackson
PF: Jackson Jr. (hurt) | Aldama | Hall
C: Edey (hurt) | Clarke | Landale

How we feeling? pic.twitter.com/igjlrRiCsg
— Grizzlies SZN (@Grizzlies_szn) August 10, 2025

Now, set to be two seasons removed from the suspension, Morant can have his focus on returning to the All-NBA player fans know he can be. Training camp is right around the corner, and if Morant can play at the level he's done in the past, this Grizzlies team could be a surprise team in a loaded Western Conference. Luckily, it appears Morant has turned a new leaf and is ready to play.