Is the NBA Star Still Courting Trouble?
Despite being named the Western Conference Player of the Week, Ja Morant’s recent behavior has left fans questioning his ability to stay out of trouble. The Memphis Grizzlies player, who was previously suspended for an eight-game ban after filming a video of himself brandishing a gun, has once again drawn attention.
A Questionable Celebration
During Tuesday night’s game, Morant executed an impressive alley-oop dunk. However, his subsequent celebration has raised eyebrows. The young player stretched his arms out and proceeded to shimmy them back and forth, a gesture that many interpreted as a shooting celebration. To make matters worse, Morant then mimicked a rocket launcher on his shoulder, adding fuel to the fire.
Concerns from NBA Veterans
With fans on high alert regarding Morant’s behavior, former NBA star Gilbert Arenas took to social media to weigh in on the controversy. Arenas, who had his own troubles with guns during his time in the league, posted a clip of Andre Iguodala confronting his former teammate Andrew Wiggins as a subtle message to Morant. Additionally, Chandler Parsons expressed his dismay, emphasizing that it is “shocking” to see Morant engaging in any behavior related to guns.
Social Media Reaction
Unsurprisingly, social media users were quick to voice their opinions on Morant’s celebration. Some criticized the young player for not learning from his previous suspensions, while others defended him, claiming that the dance was harmless. Morant himself reposted a video on X, claiming that his celebration was merely a popular touchdown dance done by members of the LSU football team.
Impressive Performance Amidst Controversy
Despite the ongoing debate surrounding his behavior, Morant has been delivering exceptional performances on the court. Since his return, he has been averaging an impressive 28.8 points per game and has scored 30 or more points in three out of four games.
As the controversy continues, fans and critics alike await Morant’s response and hope that he learns from his past mistakes.