It’s gotten increasingly difficult to separate the basketball from the noise when it comes to Ja Morant. The Memphis Grizzlies superstar was dealt yet another suspension following the Grizzlies’ matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, serving the punishment during the team’s last match against the Toronto Raptors. As questions about the guard’s maturity and leadership have resurfaced, two NBA veterans have stepped in with messages reaching the heart of the matter.

On NBA on NBC, Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony said, “Ja has to man up… He’s been through all of this before. This is something new. You’re being tested again to see if you’re going to fold or if you’re going to stand the test of time.” Anthony referred to Morant’s previous clashes with the NBA and his history of suspensions, including a 25-game one served during the 2023-24 season and a $75,000 fine for ‘finger-gun’ gestures during a game despite prior warnings from the league.

Melo didn’t sugarcoat what comes next for the 25-year-old guard, framing this as a decisive moment for Morant. “The coaches is testing you. The organization is testing you. The city, the fans is testing you,” he continued. “How are you going to bounce back? How are you going to move on from this?”

For a player who spent two decades navigating the highs and lows, along with many headlines of his own, the words carry a lot of weight. Anthony wasn’t talking about stats or highlights, but instead about a change in mindset.

“Right now, when I see that, man, I just see somebody who’s fighting. He’s battling emotionally, mentally… He still feel like nobody have his back from the things that he put himself in.” There was empathy there, but also realism. “This is basketball. Ain’t no loyalty in sports. Put your big-boy pants on. Let’s go play basketball, man.”

The message is particularly timely, considering the circumstances surrounding Morant’s suspension. The Grizzlies booked him for “conduct detrimental to the team,” citing him looking disengaged on a bench during a timeout in the second half against the Lakers, as well as his post-game comments.

After the loss, he was asked by reporters what went wrong, and replied, “Go ask them,” referring to the coaching staff. Upon being asked what could have gone differently, he answered, “According to them, probably don’t play me, honestly,” Morant said.

“That’s what basically the message was, after. It’s cool.” For an organization that has stood by him through multiple other suspensions, his responses have landed poorly.

On top of that, the Memphis Grizzlies are reportedly in disarray following the firing of head coach Taylor Jenkins, and questions are mounting about Ja Morant’s future with the team. With Jaren Jackson Jr. stepping into a larger role as the franchise’s focal point, Morant’s fit in Memphis has come under scrutiny.

His recent dip in performance, including a drop in points and shooting percentage, as well as an abysmally low 15.6% from beyond the arc in the 3-point era, has not helped his value. Along with ongoing injury concerns, this has only fueled speculation that a trade could be on the horizon.

However, Morant’s trade value appears to be relatively low at the moment. League insiders cite his recent off-court issues, multiple suspensions, and the Grizzlies’ limited postseason success as factors that are dampening interest. Any team considering a deal would likely want strong assurances about Morant’s behavior and long-term reliability before making a serious move.

Ja Morant Receives Wake-Up Call From NBA Legends

NBA legend Vince Carter took a softer approach, but his words struck just as deep as Carmelo Anthony’s. Vince spoke to Morant as a veteran, someone who knows how important a shoulder to lean on is, and something he believes the guard lacks.

“A veteran can put their arms around you and say, hey, big fella, we got you. We got your back through good times and bad times.” He also added, “Find your happiness, man. Find your happiness… Sometimes the world is against you, but at least you have your family, your friends, your locker room.”

He reminded the Grizzlies star that the last sanctuary left is the locker room and its camaraderie, saying, “I think retired players, when we say we missed the game, we missed the locker room. We missed the bus ride. We missed the plane rides. And sometimes we have to lean on our brothers sometime. And we, as retired players, sometimes we always fight against the young guys. But right now, you have a group of guys right now who have your back, man.”

Carter also offered a direction to put his energy and focus towards, adding, “Go out there and play for your brothers more than anything.”

Jamal Crawford also chimed in, adding that the way Morant handles this will serve as an example to the next generation of what accountability looks like. “You don’t become a superstar without the kids. And all those kids that look up to you, they’re watching everything, body languages we talk to, how you handle situations.”

Now, Morant faces a crossroads. The words he received from his veterans have outlined the way to proceed, but how Ja takes these instructions will determine how long his time in Memphis lasts.