NBA Fans React to Cryptic Ja Morant Message

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant posted a cryptic nine-word message on social media

Nov 25, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts after a three point basket during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

The Memphis Grizzlies have recently been in the news much more than normal, headlined by their blockbuster trade that sent Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic. However, it did not stop there.

ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith claimed that NBA stars do not want to play in Memphis because they feel unsafe, and called for the city to clean things up.

"Cats like Jimmy Butler and others don’t feel like it’s the safest environment. I’m talking to the local authorities in Memphis. You gotta clean some of that stuff up because it's disuasive to NBA players. They have talked about it. I know. They've told me," Smith said.

"You gonna tell folks why nobody wants to be in Memphis? Or you want me to do it?"
"Cats like Jimmy Butler and others don’t feel like it’s the safest environment. I’m talking to the local authorities in Memphis." - Stephen A. Smith pic.twitter.com/qD9UjV5ZV4

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 17, 2025

Many people took exception to Smith's wild take, including Grizzlies star Ja Morant, who shared his frustration on social media with a group of posts.

Via Ja Morant: "talkin bout the grizz more than the finals😂 wit these 🧢 ahh sources"

talkin bout the grizz more than the finals😂 wit these 🧢 ahh sources

— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) June 17, 2025

However, after the response to Stephen A. Smith, Morant shared a cryptic message in the middle of the night heading into Wednesday morning.

Via Ja Morant: "don’t cry for me when the war is over"

don’t cry for me when the war is over

— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) June 18, 2025

Fans have discovered that Morant was referencing a song lyric from artist Rod Wave, but many still had their fair reactions to an odd post from the Grizzlies star point guard.

"supporting u no matter what, goat," one fan replied.

"2022 Ja back next season I could cry," another fan said.

"Can’t wait for this mvp campaign 12," a fan posted.

"I love this mentality from u gang it's yall vs the world," another fan responded.