Just a day before the 2023-2024 season tips-off, Stephen A. Smith decided to preview the upcoming 8 months on The Stephen A. Smith Show. He sat down to list the franchises that could compete for the title. Pundits and analysts usually name two or three teams while making predictions. However, Smith took things to the next level and named six title contenders from the Western Conference. The Memphis Grizzlies were one of these six teams, with a suspended Ja Morant being a big reason behind the same.
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Ja received a suspension for 25 games following the antics he pulled off during the dying moments of the 2022-2023 season. Despite Morant receiving this hefty $7.6 million suspension, Stephen A. Smith is displaying his faith in the Memphis Grizzlies. In fact, the ESPN analyst warned the entire league to beware once Morant is back from serving his suspension.
Stephen A. Smith displays confidence in Ja Morant
On the latest episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, the 56-year-old picked a few contenders from the Western Conference. While giving the Minnesota Timberwolves a special mention, Smith named – the Nuggets, the Clippers, the Lakers, the Suns, the Kings, and the Grizzlies.
There are several analysts who believe that Ja Morant’s 25-game suspension is going to be costly for the Tennessee side. However, Smith is of the opinion that Morant will wreak havoc as soon as he serves his suspension. Believing that Morant will be back stronger than before, SAS said:
“I’m gonna look at Memphis. When Ja Morant comes back after his 25-game suspension, do you have any idea the mission he’s going to be on? Do you have any idea how he is gonna wreak havoc upon people? Do you know what y’all are in for with Ja Morant? When he comes back, I’m scared for the league when Ja Morant comes back. This brother is a superstar. I think he’s gonna be more focused than ever… I’m telling y’all, I can’t sleep on the Memphis Grizzlies.”
Despite stating that the Grizzlies lost Dillion Brooks and will see Steve Adams out due to injuries, Stephen A. also shed light upon the force of the remaining players.
To be fair, once Morant returns, the squad, also studded with stars of the likes of Marcus Smart, Brandon Clarke, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane, will be deadly enough to upset a few powerhouses.
Derrick Rose is a great mentor for Morant
2023 hasn’t been the best year for Ja Morant. After already receiving an eight-game suspension in March for brandishing his firearm at a nightclub in Denver, the 6ft 2″ point guard went on to commit the same offense a few weeks later.
The 2020 Rookie of the Year was seen with a gun on an Instagram Live session. As a penalty, Adam Silver took the extreme step of slapping the high leaper with a 25-game suspension. Considering the contract that the two-time All-Star currently is on, he’ll be forfeiting $7.6 million.
Once the suspensions were announced, the franchise went ahead and acquired Derrick Rose. Several fans and analysts are expecting the 2011 MVP to be a great asset for the Grizzlies. Apart from the incredible skillset that Rose brings to the table, he is expected to be a great mentor for Morant.
