Memphis Grizzlies rookie Ja Morant is showing off some veteran wit when it comes to the media.
During the post-game press conference following the Grizzlies' 126-122 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, ending Memphis' season, Morant was asked about the lack of fouls being called on CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard. Morant was not falling for the trap, per Drew Hill of The Daily Memphian.
“I feel like that question is low key a trap. Y’all are trying to get me fined,” Morant said.
That is some high IQ coming from the rookie. What's more, Morant is not one who has been trained for moments like this in the past. Even with the Grizzlies, he has not encountered the media grilling other NBA stars akin to larger markets like New York or Los Angeles. Beyond that, Morant did not go to a high-level college program like his fellow South Carolinian rookie Zion Williamson, who went to Duke and more than likely was trained on how to deal with the media during his time as a Blue Devil.
Morant also mentioned that, as a kid, his dad told him to never call fouls, focusing on scoring on drives rather than trying to draw the foul.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies in the losing effort, scoring 35 points on 13-of-28 field goal shooting. He also recorded eight assists and four rebounds.
In spite of the loss, the future looks bright for the Grizzlies with Morant leading the way, both on and off the court. His maturity this early in his NBA career is certainly something the Grizzlies will be proud of.
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