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Memphis Grizzlies Star Point Guard Yes Morant fired back against Stephen A. Smith’s claim that NBA players do not want to join Morant’s team because they do not feel safe in the city.
During Tuesday’s edition of “First Take”, the panel discussed Smith and the NBA brothers Marcus and Markieff Morris, whether Grizzlies should trade Morant and make a full reconstruction after shopping Desmond Bane for Orlando Magic.
Marcus Morris was asked why players don’t want to be in Memphis and Smith replied.
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Memphis Grizzlies Vague Yes Morant goes off the field during the second half of a game against Oklahoma City Thunder in the Paycom Center. (Alonzo Adams/Imag images)
“The people of Memphis, it’s a fantastic sports town – big fans, big people – but there’s an element where cats like Jimmy Butler and others don’t want it to be the safest environment,” Smith explained via Front Office sports.
“I am talking to the local authorities in Memphis. You have to clean some of those things because it’s discouraged to NBA players. They’ve talked about it. I know. They’ve told me. That’s all I say.”
Morant did not respond directly to Smith, but he took his takeover of the situation.
Ex-NBA stars call yes morant over Grenade Celebration
“Talkin about Grizz more than the final [laughing emoji] With these [cap emoji] Ahh sources, “Morant Posted on X.” Instead of focusing on the performances we’ve seen from JDUB/Shai, TJ/Siakam how this series goes. We say sumn negative about a city/team at national level. “
The “First Take” panel also discussed whether Morant will be with Grizzlies in the future because of how competitive the Western conference is.
“IMA be in the 901… Source: Me !!” He also wrote on X and suggested that he will be put in Memphis.
Stephen A. Smith questioned whether NBA players feel safe in Memphis, and the Grizzlies guard yes Morant fired back. (Kirby Lee/Imag- Pictures)
Smith also talked about Morant directly on the show and brought up his gun events that led to NBA -SUS pensions. Without these, Smith said, Morant is a “good brother”, though he made a “foolish mistake.”
Morant is one of the most electric guards in the league when he is on the field with the ability to score anywhere, especially at the edge.
However, Smith asked Morant’s availability after this season’s damaged results.
“Did you know he was on the wounded list 15 times this season with eight different disorders – hamstring, shoulder, knee, foot, hip, thigh, illness?” Smith told Morris Brothers. “Fifteen times. The best ability is availability. If there is a question about his availability, it is now another discussion. I need you in the damn court.”
Yes Morant from Memphis Grizzlies during a game against San Antonio Spurs on FedExforum January 2, 2024 in Memphis. (Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Grizzlies ended eighth at the western conference this season with a record of 48-34. They were swept by the possible conference master Oklahoma City Thunder, who is a game away from a NBA title after Monday evening’s game 5 -win over Indiana Pacers.
Morant finished his sixth season in Memphis an average of 23.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 7.3 assists over 50 games.
