Ja Morant Set to Make NBA Comeback After 25-Game Suspension

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Ja'Morant will return to the NBA on Dec. 19, 2023, ending a 25-game suspension for two gun possession incidents.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver has announced that Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant is ready to make his comeback to the league after serving a 25-game suspension for two gun-brandishing incidents earlier this year.

Silver said that Morant has met all of the necessary conditions set by the league and has been in regular contact with league officials. He is expected to meet with Morant and other league officials this week before making his return to the court.

“We’ve been in constant communication with Ja Morant and his team, and we’re confident that he’s ready to rejoin the league,” Silver said. “He’s taken full responsibility for his actions and has shown a commitment to making positive changes. We’re excited to have him back on the court.”

Morant’s suspension stemmed from two incidents in March and May where he was captured displaying a firearm. The first incident happened in March during an Instagram Live session within a nightclub in the Denver region, resulting in an eight-game suspension.

The second happened in May, as he was recorded flashing a gun inside a vehicle, leading to a 25-game suspension that commenced at the start of the 2023-24 season.

Since the second incident, Morant has committed to prioritizing self-improvement and his mental health to set a positive example moving forward.

“I’ve learned a lot from this experience, and I’m committed to becoming a better person and role model,” he said. “I want to apologize to the NBA, the Grizzlies, my teammates, and the city of Memphis. I’m sorry for the harm I’ve done, and I’m determined to make amends.”

The Grizzlies have struggled in Morant’s absence, posting a 6-15 record and falling to 13th in the Western Conference. They are 27th in the NBA in assists (23.9) and 19th in turnovers (14.3).

Morant, who averaged 26.2 points and 8.1 assists last season, is expected to provide the Grizzlies with the fiery guard play and intensity that can help them turn their season around.

“We’re excited to have Ja back, and we know that he’s going to make a big impact on our team,” said Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins. “He’s a special player and leader, and we’re confident that he’s going to help us achieve our goals.”

Morant is eligible to return to the court on December 19th against the New Orleans Pelicans. He will make his first home game this season on December 21st against the Indiana Pacers.

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