When you think of exciting NBA players known for their flair and, let’s be honest, some pretty controversial celebrations, Memphis Grizzlies’ superstar Ja Morant probably springs to mind. This talented athlete is no stranger to the limelight, and over the past year, his enthusiastic gestures have stirred quite a conversation among fans, commentators, and league officials alike.
Just the other night, during the Grizzlies’ commanding win over the Charlotte Hornets, Morant found himself in the spotlight once again. After nailing a three-pointer—something he does with the ease of breathing—he threw a playful grenade toss in the direction of the crowd. You could say that his celebratory antics are infamous at this point, and this one was certainly no exception.
Social media didn’t wait long to explode with reactions. Through a mix of disbelief and humor, fans flooded platforms with opinions both in favor and against his latest display of exuberance. “Ban this dude from the NBA,” one user declared, hitting the nail on the head for those who find Morant’s celebrations troublesome.
But let’s take a step back. Morant’s celebratory style has always been a mix of skill and showmanship, and while some fans revel in his confidence, others question his judgment, especially given the league’s recent rules regarding conduct. The NBA has made it clear that it’s keeping a close watch on Morant after issuing him a hefty $75,000 fine for making a gun gesture in a previous game against the Golden State Warriors. Just months prior, he faced a serious 25-game suspension for incidents linked to firearms, including a livestream that raised eyebrows and concerns nationwide.
The league’s stance is firm: any behavior that could be deemed as glorifying violence simply won’t be tolerated. And while Morant’s grenade toss may not scream “gun,” it does reflect a pattern of actions that the league deems as potentially “detrimental to the NBA.” This adds a layer of uncertainty to how the league might respond to this latest celebration.
Fans reacted swiftly to the grenade toss—some suggested yet another fine might be on the horizon, with comments like, “Let’s fine him again,” echoing around the web. One fan even quipped, “500k fine next?” It’s easy to chuckle at these comments, especially when you consider the ups and downs Morant has faced in his career and how seriously the league seems to be taking his antics.
Then you have users who took a lighter approach, joking that Morant seems to want to stray far away from what it means to be a role model on the court. “This man racking up the fines,” another observer pointed out, perhaps indicating both their affection for his talent and frustration with his choices.
Despite all the off-court drama, there’s no denying that Morant can put on a show. In this particular game, he didn’t just make headlines for his controversial antics; he also showcased what he can do on the court, finishing with an impressive line of 28 points, five rebounds, and eight assists—leading his team to a solid 124-100 victory.
As the Grizzlies continue their journey this season, sitting on a respectable 47-32 record, it remains to be seen how Morant’s jubilant celebrations will play out, especially in light of the NBA’s watchful gaze. Fans, like you, who admire his skills might hope he finds a balance—enjoying the game while showing some restraint. Navigating the harsh spotlight of fame isn’t easy, and sports are full of immense pressures, but one thing’s for sure: watching Ja Morant, whether with glee or disbelief, is never boring.
Image Source: Ja Morant @ Instagram
