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The start of the Memphis Grizzlies’ 2025-26 season hasn’t lived up to expectations — at least if you ask Ja Morant.
An NBA Cup tournament loss to the Los Angeles Lakers that evening left Morant noticeably frustrated with the Grizzlies’ coaching staff. “Ask the coaching staff,” the two-time NBA All-Star responded multiple times to questions in the locker room about how he played in the 117-112 loss.
On Saturday, ESPN reported that Morant was “suspended one game for conduct detrimental to the team.”
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Ja Morant (12) of the Memphis Grizzlies dribbles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat on April 3, 2025 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. (Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
The reported discipline came less than 24 hours after Morant openly criticized the team and coaches.
When asked Friday about things Memphis could have done differently in the loss to the Lakers, a seemingly annoyed Morant replied: “According to them, you probably shouldn’t play me, honestly. That was the basic message. It’s cool.”
Pakinomist Digital reached out to the Grizzlies for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.
Morant finished Friday’s game with eight points, the fewest among Grizzlies starters. Jaylen Wells led the team with 16.
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Friday’s loss dropped the Grizzlies to 3-3.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) walks off the court during the second half of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. (Alonzo Adams/Imagn Images)
The loss and Morant’s underwhelming shooting performance were exacerbated by his slower pace and lower energy level than many have grown accustomed to since his rise to NBA stardom.
The Grizzlies’ front office decided to make a coaching change after the team suffered a 4-0 sweep in the first round against the eventual NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts after a basket in the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors. (Petre Thomas/Imagn Images)
Tuomas Iisalo is the head coach of the Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies return to action on Sunday when they visit the Toronto Raptors.
