Ja Morant continues to attract attention for the wrong reasons. Recently, the NBA imposed a $75,000 fine on him for making inappropriate gun-aiming gestures during games. This followed prior warnings from the league regarding such behavior.

Despite this, Morant introduced a new celebration during a game against the Charlotte Hornets, where he pretended to throw a grenade after scoring a 3-pointer. “That’s my celebration now until somebody else has a problem with it, and I’ll find another one,” he stated after the game.

Morant’s actions raise concerns, particularly from NBA commissioner Adam Silver, but his focus seems to be on maintaining this new act rather than addressing the issues it may cause for his team.

Paul Pierce commented, pointing out that while Morant embraces this persona, it distracts from the core objective of basketball. “It should be about basketball at this point,” he emphasized.

As Morant faces ongoing scrutiny, the Memphis Grizzlies are struggling, having lost eight of their last twelve games. Pierce suggested that as a supposed leader, Morant needs to mature and accept the responsibilities that come with his position. “He has to say, ‘You know what? It’s time for me to grow up a little bit and take on the responsibility of being a leader … a role model.’”