Ja Morant, Memphis.

Alex McNinch

November 6, 2025

When asked about "one word to describe Memphis" most people would turn towards different ideas. "Elvis," "Barbeque," "Blues," "Beale," all words that could be described about Memphis using one.

Grizzlies superstar, Ja Morant's word to describe Memphis... "Home."

Upon being drafted 2nd overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies, Ja Morant has embraced the city and left an impact on each and every person that lives within the city lines. A man who has been a part of many great moments -- as well as disappointing moments over the last five-years -- Ja Morant has been a spokesperson and figure identified with the city of Memphis, Tennessee. In a period where there are disagreements and tension amongst those within the Grizzlies organization, fans turn towards their leader to take control and accountability to help get this team back on track. 

On a brisk, Halloween, Friday night in Memphis, the Grizzlies played host to the Los Angeles Lakers in a NBA Cup Game. Memphis lead 69-55 going into halftime, where star players Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr were leading the charge on both ends for their team. At this point, nobody could've thought the spookiest part of Halloween night took place within this game. As the second half starts and goes on, those two cornerstone pieces slowly faded into the background on offense and seemed reluctant to produce according to fans. This results in finding out after the game in postgame media that there was an issue that occured between Ja Morant, and current Grizzlies Head Coach, Tuomas Iisalo. Morant when asked about his minutes and unusual production tonight responded saying, "go ask the coaching staff" and, "according to them, probably don't play me." 

Following this incident, Morant was suspended one game for conduct detrimental to the team, in which he missed the November 2nd matchup versus the Toronto Raptors. He returned to the lineup the following night back at home versus the Detroit Pistons, and fans noticed Ja played with a little more energy compared to that Lakers game, yet still not playing as his happy self. Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal asked Ja following the Grizzlies 114-106 loss if he was his happy self today, to which he replied, "No."

This obviously has sparked even more conversation amongst not only Grizzlies fans, but NBA fans overall. The Grizzlies would drop two games following Iisalo calling out Morant in front of the team, which has lead to fans turning their mindset of "Ja needs to mature and grow up" into, "maybe he was right, while still being in the wrong." There is a clear disconnect between the two parties on player minutes, usage, plays ran, and the overall scheme of how the offense is supposed to be ran. Since then, following the Grizzlies game versus the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night, Morant took accountability and put the issues the team has dealt with on himself saying, "I have to be better." This is reminicent for Grizzlies fans, who experienced a similar issue in 2017 between former head coach, David Fizdale, and Grizz All-Time great, Marc Gasol. Gasol was unhappy with his usage in the offense and the overall idea of how the system was supposed to be ran. Fizdale was fired a week later.

Do you see any correlation here?

Tuomas Iisalo was hired in July of 2025 after working as an assistant the previous season under former Grizzlies head coach, Taylor Jenkins, as well as being named the Interim Head Coach following Jenkins' firing. Fans threw into question the idea of having Iisalo as the franchise's next head coach after learning from Grizzlies General Manager and VP of Basketball Operations, Zach Kleiman, that there were no other candidates that were interviewed for this position. Iisalo is bringing his European playing and coaching background into the NBA, to which has lead to a disagreement between himself and the franchise's top star in Ja Morant.

Trade rumors swirl around the basketball world, with teams whose fans once mocked and made fun of Ja, now turning their narratives and mindset into wanting him to be the starting point guard on their basketball team. However, throughout all of this, Ja Morant has committed to Memphis and it being his home.

Despite having many stars in the city from the "Core Four" era with Mike Conley, Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol, and Tony Allen, none have reached the global superstardom that Ja Morant has. His reassurance that he loves Memphis has made him the city's favorite child. This summer, following the Stephen A Smith comments on Memphis and how dangerous the city is, Morant spoke out about it saying, "& ima be in dat 901... source: ME!" This is the most recent comment regarding his status with Memphis and his love for the city, but there are numerous times he has posted about the city on social media over his time there.

In a time where the light shined on Memphis has not been the most positive, Ja Morant has remained at the front of the line battling for the city and their reputation. Although it might not be a premier destination for Free Agent NBA players, those who have been here and played for the team speak glowingly of their time here and the support they receive. 

Since Morant's suspensions for his firearm incidents in 2023, he has been active working in the community with Memphis, as well as being one of the front faces for Nike, hosting EYBL tournaments in Memphis, as well as pop-up events around the city surrounding his shoes and apparel. The city needs a hero, a good representation, Ja Morant has been that guy that nationally, people associate with the city. One could go into every school located within the city of Memphis, and you will find kids wearing Ja Morant jerseys, his shoes, "hitting the griddy," or tell you he is their favorite player. Despite the recent events between Morant and Iisalo, one thing will remain, and that is Ja Morant being a Memphis Grizzly through and through. Proven past all of his struggles, the organization -- but most importantly the city -- has his back. There is one thing that will stay true and will always be true..

Memphis needs Ja Morant, as much as Ja Morant needs Memphis.