Why Ja Morant is still ‘family’ to Jaren Jackson Jr. despite the Berlin drama

The optics are complicated, the noise is inevitable, and the questions are persistent. I Morant mends the fence was not on the floor, the The Memphis Grizzlies slipped into the Western Conference playoffs, and a season that once carried top-six expectations now requires nightly strength just to stay afloat. however, Jaren Jackson Jr. he does not believe that family ties have been severed.

If nothing else, it was amplified loudly, demonstratively and unapologetically from the Berlin bench. Morant was seen dancing after a few highlights from Jackson Jr., which is true what does the locker room expect.

“(Morant) is like that all the time, really,” Jackson Jr. explained. “I mean, he wants us to improve and do well. He’s definitely one of my biggest cheerleaders. One of my best coaches at times.”

It’s a striking feature from the foundation of the Grizzlies franchise. Jackson Jr., the 2023 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, could easily distance himself from Morant’s off-court issues or lessen the impact of his absent teammate. Instead, he doubled down on their relationship.

“It’s a drug,” Iisalo added. “It’s dope because you always have to look at the bench when you’re doing something. (Celebrating) is a family activity. It’s family.”

That mentality helped sustain a roster that could have crumbled under disappointment.

Instead, the Grizzlies have leaned towards internal responsibilitypoint Tuomas Iisalo emphasized when discussing Jackson Jr.’s approach.

“It says a lot about Jaren and his ability to focus on the essentials,” Iisalo said. “It also says a lot about the character of the whole team…Guys could give up, but they don’t. They’re just trying to find a way to win…and control what we can control. We have a really good working atmosphere in the team. We don’t pay attention to what’s being said outside. We just do our job.”

Jackson Jr. and Iisal’s comments suggest that the organization’s response begins with unity. By maintaining their work ethic and refusing to internalize outside noise, the Grizzlies are betting that their foundation will remain solid despite the cracks seen in their record.

For better or worse, the organization has chosen loyalty and responsibility over distance and apathy. Time will tell if that commitment pays dividends or perpetuates dysfunction. But for now, at least, Ja Morant remains family.