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“You’re Being Recorded These Days”: Amidst Ja Morant Controversy, Former NBA Champion Gives a Piece of Advice to Every Player

Published 03/18/2023, 7:50 AM EDT

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.The NBA recently announced an eight-game suspension for Ja Morant for his actions. The suspension also includes the two games where he was suspended by the Memphis Grizzlies. Furthermore, Morant has reportedly finished his counseling program in Florida. With this, the reigning Most Improved Player is likely to be back with the team for their game against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday. However, the leaked images of Morant in the strip club and his actions on social media still remain a huge debate.

Recently, NBA veteran turned media personality Matt Barnes was asked about the whole situation surrounding Ja. The 2017 NBA champion had a bit of simple advice for not just the high-flying point guard but also for every player in the league.

Matt Barnes’ advice to every player in the NBA 

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A lot of former NBA players have shown their support for Ja Morant recently. When the images of Morant from the strip club were leaked, Matt Barnes’ colleague and friend Stephen Jackson came to the defense of the Memphis Grizzlies superstar. Now, Barnes was asked about the whole controversy. According to a report from TMZ Sports, “Don’t tell on yourself and watch out for cameras,” Barnes said. “The second you step out of your house you’re being recorded these days. So just stay cognizant and be aware of your surroundings.”

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He added that Morant is one of his favorite players in the league and sent his love to the two-time NBA All-Star. Barnes said, “I love Ja. I love what he brings to the table. I just want to send him love. Let him know we love him. We miss him and we need him back.”

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The advice looks simple enough. Interestingly, this was exactly the reason NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal was not happy about Morant, even though he showed his support. The four-time NBA champion could not fathom why Ja had to go live on Instagram and flash a gun.

The Memphis Grizzlies without Ja Morant

The Memphis Grizzlies went down a spot on the Western Conference standings during the absence of Ja Morant. They are now in the third spot behind the Sacramento Kings (#2) and the Denver Nuggets (#1). During Morant’s absence in the last seven games, the Grizzlies have won 4 and lost 3.

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WATCH THIS STORYHighest scoring games by a player in Grizzlies history after Ja Morant’s epic 49-point performance

The team has played well and pulled off some impressive wins. They also made the biggest comeback of the year against the San Antonio Spurs during the absence of their superstar. However, the return of Morant will be a huge boost for the team in the final stretch and can set the tone for the playoffs as well.

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Written by:

Bagavathi Eswaran

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Bagavathi Eswaran is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He has been playing basketball since he was ten years old, and has followed the NBA for more than a decade now. After not being able to go pro, this former college player decided to give voice to his passion by writing on the sport, covering the NBA as well as other arenas of basketball.
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Edited by:

Pragya Vashisth