NBA analyst Blake Griffin sends strong message to Ja Morant after lack of effort in latest Grizzlies game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Memphis Grizzlies have been experiencing some in-house issues recently, culminating in a one-game suspension for their superstar, Ja Morant. But even before the suspension, critics were concerned about Morant’s level of play this season.

Advertisement

MORE: Potential Mavericks trade deals away Daniel Gafford, could fix biggest problem with roster

One of those critics was NBA analyst and former All-Star Blake Griffin, who saw Morant’s lack of effort in a loss against the Los Angeles Lakers yesterday as a “very bad sign”.

“This is a guy who is insanely talented…Speed is his No. 1 weapon, and coming off a ball screen, passing the ball like this, kind of lazily cutting to the corner, that’s just not what’s gonna get it done for Memphis… Not really engaged at all…For a guy that’s making $40 million and needs to be the leader of this team, I just don’t love it. I don’t know if he was not feeling well, if he’s hurt, but that to me is a very bad sign and something that has to change,” Griffin stated on the Amazon Prime postgame show.

Advertisement

When asked about what went wrong for him in the game, Morant told reporters to “ask his coaching staff, and when asked how the team could be better, he said, “according to them, probably don’t play me” (via Chris Herrington).

MORE: Lakers superstar Austin Reaves gets $180 million contract update ahead of final year of current deal

And after all that, Morant got a suspension from the team. Hopefully, his attitude changes; otherwise, Morant may be sent elsewhere to play.

Advertisement

MORE  NEWS

Rockets predicted to trade for $53.8 million, 34.2 PPG superstar to replace Fred VanVleet

Pistons predicted to trade for $53.8 million, 34.2 PPG superstar to create incredible backcourt with Cade Cunningham

Lakers predicted to cut ties with Austin Reaves, deal him to former blockbuster trade partner