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Memphis Grizzlies Legend Sends Strong Ja Morant Message to NBA

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant is ready for a big season
Joey Linn|
Dec 26, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts to a made basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts to a made basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports | Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

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During a recent interview with Kelly Iko of The Athletic, Memphis Grizzlies legend Tony Allen put the NBA on notice with this Ja Morant message:

“Two things. For one, a lot of guys have gotten the spotlight due to his injury,” Allen told Iko. “He’s still one of the guys that could be the face of the league. He’s a force to be reckoned with. I think he’s a superstar and must-see TV. … I think this summer is one of the biggest for him. This is gonna put a lot of fuel to the fire, simply because you see a lot of cats getting notoriety right now, which was his spotlight.”

Allen added, “He’s learned from a lot of things that he’s done in the past. This is a perfect time for him to come back in the best shape, come back with the best handle, improved jump shot and lead his team to the promised land. He has the tools around him with Jaren Jackson Jr, (Desmond) Bane and (Marcus) Smart. Veteran poise in the locker room with Derrick Rose. Looking at the Grizzlies with the ninth pick, it’s a lot they can do if they want to get a big or something. But he is the head of the snake. This is the return year of Ja Morant to take the league back by storm.”

Morant played just nine games last season, as the star point guard injured his shoulder shortly after returning from a 25-game suspension. While Allen told Iko he hopes Morant takes his time returning from injury, the Grizzlies legend expects Morant to put the league on notice next season.

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Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA and WNBA for On SI. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined On SI to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts and in the classroom earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time, primarily serving as a Clippers beat writer.

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