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Ja Morant makes first notable appearance since 25-game NBA … – Commercial Appeal
Ja Morant has spent most of his offseason outside the public eye, save for an occasional social media post. But the Memphis Grizzlies point guard was in New York on Saturday at the celebrity-filled Nike World Basketball Festival at the Lincoln Center.
It was the first notable public appearance from Morant since he was suspended 25 games by the NBA in June for conduct detrimental to the league. Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Sue Bird, Dirk Nowitzki and Sheryl Swoopes were among the Nike-endorsed basketball athletes in attendance.
The Nike World Basketball Festival is a two-day event that features some of the best high school players in the world in a tournament. Many of the top-ranked girls and boys in upcoming recruiting classes played in their respective championship games Saturday.
Morant and San Antonio Spurs No. 1 draft pick Victor Wembanyama served as honorary captains for the South Boys team. The South’s opponent, the East team, had Booker and Durant as honorary captains.
In part of the statement Morant issued after the NBA announced his 25-game suspension, he pledged to better represent his sponsors and brand.
Even with an eventful start to the offseason, Morant’s Nike brand hasn’t taken much of a hit. His “Ja 1” sneakers continue to be a hot commodity in Memphis. NBA players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and former Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks have already worn Ja 1s in games, and more players will likely join the fold when the upcoming season begins.
Due to the suspension, the earliest Morant can potentially wear his signature shoes in an NBA game is Dec. 19 against the New Orleans Pelicans. That will be the Grizzlies’ 26th game of the season, and it will be nationally televised on TNT.
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It’s still unclear when Morant will be allowed to return around his Grizzlies teammates at team facilities. When Morant was suspended last season, he wasn’t allowed to use team facilities. Because of the length of his 25-game hiatus, the NBA could allow Morant to return around the team before the end of his suspension to build up his basketball conditioning.
Morant has worked out with some of his Grizzlies teammates in the offseason at local Memphis-area high schools.
The Grizzlies will play their first preseason game on Oct. 8 (7 p.m., Bally Sports Southeast) against the Indiana Pacers. Regular season action will tip off on Oct. 25 against the Pelicans (7 p.m., Bally Sports Southeast).
