Following the Golden State Warriors’ 134-125 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night, Ja Morant appeared to make gun gestures directed at the Warriors’ bench.
In light of this incident, the NBA has launched an investigation into Morant’s actions, as reported by Shams Charania.
NBA is investigating Ja Morant for this 😭💀
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) April 2, 2025
Given Morant’s past issues related to gun incidents, this situation has sparked considerable discussion. Notably, reports suggest that Warriors player Buddy Hield may have originally instigated the gesture.
in Ja’s defense, he only pulled the choppa out in self defense because Hield whipped his out first, pause. pic.twitter.com/14qYWJ4eop
— David (@bydavidarriaga) April 2, 2025
Nevertheless, many fans are puzzled by Morant’s continuous embrace of a tough persona, especially given his upbringing in a more affluent neighborhood. A user on X remarked, “The thing I can’t quite figure out about Ja Morant is… why does he try so hard to have this street rapper persona when he grew up in a relatively nice neighborhood where people had trampolines in their backyard?”
It’s worth noting that Morant has been suspended twice for displaying weapons on Instagram Live. His first suspension came at the end of the 2022-23 season, when he was seen holding a firearm during a livestream from a strip club in Denver, resulting in an eight-game suspension.
Ja Morant is being investigated by the #NBA for flashing a gun at a strip club on his own Instagram live early Saturday morning after losing to the Nuggets 113-97 Friday night pic.twitter.com/8N3ALEsx2E
— Highlight Hoops 24/7 (@HLHoops247) March 4, 2023
Subsequently, Morant demonstrated a lack of learning from his previous experience when a video emerged showing him brandishing a weapon again a few months later, leading to a 25-game suspension at the start of the 2023-24 season.
Ja Morant was seen on live with a gun AGAIN pic.twitter.com/41iL7Hqmes
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) May 14, 2023
Whether NBA Commissioner Adam Silver will hand down another suspension for Morant’s latest incident remains to be seen. Opinions from fans are sharply divided.
“Did Ja Morant “[point] the gun” gesture again? This is UNACCEPTABLE.” One fan remarked on X. “NBA should fine and suspend him AGAIN. This is NOT the image the NBA wants. This behavior cannot be tolerated.”
Conversely, some figures in sports media, including ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith, believe the incident lacks significance and should not lead to disciplinary action.
Come on @NBA — and the rest of us. Totally unnecessary. Let @JaMorant play in peace. Let’s not look for things. The playoffs are about to begin. Let’s enjoy the games. Morant didn’t do anything flagrant. Folks are reaching now. https://t.co/cmeWaGgYBu
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) April 2, 2025
With the current standings in the competitive Western Conference, the Grizzlies find themselves as the No. 6 seed (with a record of 44-32), just behind the Warriors (44-31), and narrowly ahead of the No. 8 seeded Clippers (43-32).
Compounding matters further, Memphis will be pushing for a postseason berth without their former head coach Taylor Jenkins, who was dismissed last week. There are indications that Morant’s behavior may have contributed to this coaching change.
Former NBA player Patrick Beverley highlighted the challenges Jenkins faced with Morant during his most recent podcast episode, suggesting that Jenkins was in a “tough spot” not knowing how Morant’s actions could impact his future on or off the court.
Pat Bev says Taylor Jenkins was in a tough spot, not knowing whether Ja Morant would be going to jail or not
“He has to deal with Ja Morant on and off the court, talking about a player who’s waving around guns—possibly not knowing, maybe goes to jail.”
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 2, 2025
