Ja Morant found himself in a familiar position Friday: addressing reporters after missing time due to discipline from the NBA. But this time it was different.
Morant was given a 25-game suspension for a gun incident in May. Six months after the league’s decision, he is set to return to the court Dec. 19 against the New Orleans Pelicans.
On Friday, the 24-year-old fielded questions from the Grizzlies’ podium while seemingly filled with excitement.
“Obviously, feel like I’m not done learning myself or learning new things,” Morant said when asked about his current perspective of his past actions. “I see why the things that happened, happened. But I can’t say I sit up here and regret it because in the end, I feel like it made me better.”
Last go-round, Morant was coming back from an eight-game suspension the league imposed in response to a different incident that saw him brandish a gun in a strip club in March. After filming with Jalen Rose for his first interview since the initial ban, Morant talked to reporters about the need to be “more responsible.” He apologized to his team and the league, adding that counseling has helped him manage stress but he isn’t “completely better.”
Morant’s most recent pre-return news conference didn’t feature any apologies. He reflected on his time away, saying it was difficult because basketball is an almost therapeutic outlet for him.
“It was definitely tough, horrible days,” Morant said before acknowledging his transgressions. “I’ve made a lot…
