NBA: Grizzlies’ Ja Morant begins counseling program—report

FILE – Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on February 23, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images/AFP

Memphis Grizzlies star guard Ja Morant is seeking counseling through a program in Florida, ESPN reported Friday night.

Morant stated that he wanted to get help with “better ways to deal with stress and general well-being,” leading him to leave the team, according to the report.

Morant, 23, has missed Memphis’ last five games, including the Grizzlies’ 104-88 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday. He still doesn’t have a timetable for his return, but Memphis announced that Morant will not return before the team’s game against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday.

The trip to Florida comes after several incidents where Morant’s behavior was troubling, most notably his actions in a March 4 Instagram live video at a Denver nightclub. Morant was seen brandishing a gun after the Grizzlies’ 113-97 loss to the Nuggets, and the NBA is investigating the incident.

After the live video, Morant deactivated his Instagram and Twitter accounts.

Officials in the Memphis organization have also said publicly that Morant will be held accountable for his questionable decision-making and behavior.

“I apologize to my family, friends, coaches, fans, partners, the city of Memphis and the entire organization for letting you down,” Morant said in a statement. “I’m going to take some time to get help and learn better ways to deal with stress and general well-being.”

A two-time All-Star, Morant has averaged 27.1 points, 8.2 assists and 6.0 rebounds in 53 games this season. He signed a five-year, $231 million contract extension last summer that will begin in the 2023-24 season.

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