Ja Morant explains why he never wanted to be the face of the NBA

So far it has been an injury-riddled start to the season for the Grizzly star I Morant. Repeating history in which his health overshadowed his obvious talent.

Despite some wanting him to do more, Morant himself never started to be the face of the NBA, according to Nick Friedel of The Athletic. Basically, Morant intends to play the game on his terms, not anyone else’s.

“There’s a lot that comes with it … I play basketball for the love of the game, not to be the face of the NBA,” he said. “Obviously, I hear that a lot. I don’t put any pressure on it. I just go out and play my game. Mostly I just went out there and that radio got me into those conversations. Obviously, people have their opinions, but I really don’t care too much.”

In all, Morant has been in the NBA for six seasons. In 2019, the Grizzlies drafted him out of Murray State University. He has since become the 2020 Rookie of the Year and a two-time All-Star.

However, Morant’s career has been overshadowed by injuries and off-field issues. He is 2023 suspended by the league because he posted a video of himself brandishing a gun. the same year, Morant faced a lawsuit in which the teenager claimed Morant hit him while playing a basketball game.

Finally, the the lawsuit was dropped.

Last April, Morant was fined $75,000 for using weapon movements during gameplay.

The “face of the league” remains up in the air

In the interview, Morant credited guys like Steph Curry and Kevin Durant for supporting him and praising his game.

“I feel like it means a lot more to me than someone else doing it,” Morant said. “Those guys are all-time greats, they’re definitely going to be Hall of Famers. It’s just more respect from my peers, kudos to the work I’ve been putting in, but this isn’t the end.”

As for the discussion of who is the “face” of the NBA, it is very open. Curry himself said that there is so much talent in the league right now that it’s hard to pick just one.

“That thing takes care of itself,” Curry told The Athletic recently. “Hopefully there’s energy for us to be big ambassadors for the game, whoever the group of guys is, obviously you can name the ones between Ja, Ant, Luca, Wemby, Shai and all of that, JT (Jayson Tatum), but I’m not buying into that because, when I haven’t had a final conversation with you guys. talking about it.”

Against Curry and the Warriors, Morant scored 23 points and dished out nine assists on Monday. The Grizzlies lost 131-118 and are now 2-2 to start the season.