Open Defiance! Ja Morant Performs "Gun Gesture" Three Times in One Game, Can the NBA Tolerate This?

Ja Morant has always been known as one of the most electrifying and unpredictable players in the NBA. His talent on the court is undeniable—he can score, pass, and create plays in ways that few others in the league can match. However, Morant's off-court behavior has been equally as volatile, with multiple incidents sparking controversy. His most recent action, a series of "gun gestures" made towards the opposing team and his own bench, has once again put him under the spotlight, raising questions about whether the NBA will take action.

Just two days ago, the Memphis Grizzlies faced off against the Golden State Warriors, and it didn't take long for Ja Morant to make headlines. After hitting a three-pointer, Morant turned to the Warriors' bench and made a shooting motion with his hand, clearly mimicking the act of firing a gun. Given Morant's past, where he was suspended for 33 games after two separate incidents involving firearms, this gesture immediately raised alarms. While others may have brushed it off, this was Ja Morant—a player with a history of controversial actions, and one who has been under heavy scrutiny by both the media and the league.

Unsurprisingly, the NBA wasted no time in launching an investigation into the matter. The league quickly determined that Morant's gesture was not overtly violent, but still deemed it inappropriate, advising him to avoid such actions in the future. The response was expected, and many believed that this would be the end of it. However, just hours after the NBA's statement, Morant was back at it again.

In the very next game, a matchup between the Grizzlies and the Miami Heat, Morant took things a step further. He didn't just make one gun gesture, but three in a single game. The first came in the first quarter after Morant sank a three-pointer. He fired a "shot" at the Miami bench. Then, in the third quarter, after hitting another three, he mimicked the action again. But the most concerning instance came after the game, when, during a post-game interview, Morant once again made a gun gesture, this time towards his own staff.

If the initial "gun" gesture against the Warriors could have been chalked up to a response to some trash talk, these three gestures against the Heat were undoubtedly a direct challenge to the NBA itself. Morant’s actions were a clear sign that he was unbothered by the league's reprimand and fully aware of the attention his behavior was drawing.

Despite the controversy surrounding his off-court behavior, there's no denying Ja Morant's ability on the basketball court. In the Grizzlies' win against the Heat, Morant delivered a stellar performance. He played 32 minutes, shooting 11-of-22 from the field, including 3-of-7 from beyond the arc, and hitting 5-of-6 free throws. He finished with 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists, helping the Grizzlies to a crucial 110-108 victory. This win was especially important for Memphis, who had been struggling with a 1-7 record over their last eight games, dropping from the second seed in the Western Conference to the eighth. The win against the Heat allowed them to climb back to the sixth seed, keeping their playoff hopes alive.

But it wasn't just this one game. Even in the previous loss to the Warriors, Morant played brilliantly, scoring 36 points, grabbing 3 rebounds, and dishing out 6 assists. His performance included a scorching 5-of-8 from three-point range. This performance further illustrated Morant’s offensive capabilities. Morant's season averages are impressive: 22.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game, with shooting splits of 45.5% from the field, 30.3% from three, and 82.8% from the free-throw line. His true shooting percentage stands at 56.3%. After the All-Star break, his performance has even improved, averaging 27.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game, with better shooting splits across the board.

While Morant's efficiency remains a point of concern—his shooting percentages aren't particularly impressive—his ability to attack the rim and disrupt defenses is undeniable. He is a constant threat in transition, and his explosive leaping ability makes him a nightmare for defenders. Morant's speed and athleticism force opposing teams to adjust their defensive strategies whenever he drives to the basket.

One of the most common misconceptions about Morant is that the Grizzlies perform better when he’s absent. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In the 47 games Morant has played this season, Memphis has a solid 29-18 record. In contrast, when Morant hasn’t played (in 30 games), the Grizzlies only managed to secure 16 wins. This discrepancy underscores just how vital Morant is to the Grizzlies’ success. When he’s on the floor, the Grizzlies’ net rating per 100 possessions is +6.9 points. When he’s off the floor, that number drops to just +3.1.

Morant’s impact is even more pronounced when he plays alongside key teammates like Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. When the three are on the court together, Memphis scores a whopping 118.6 points per 100 possessions, while only allowing 107.3 points. This +11.3 net rating is championship-level production, and it highlights just how potent the Grizzlies are when Morant is at his best.

Morant's flair and highlight-reel dunks have made him one of the most exciting players in the NBA. His handles, his ability to break down defenders, and his thunderous finishes at the rim make him one of the league's most captivating players to watch. Whether it’s a smooth cross-over or a ferocious poster dunk, Morant brings energy to the court that few others can match. It's no surprise that he's one of the most talked-about players in the league.

However, his off-court antics, like the recent gun gestures, continue to raise questions about his maturity and ability to stay out of controversy. The NBA has yet to announce what further actions, if any, it will take in response to Morant’s behavior. The league may decide to impose a fine or suspension, which could have significant implications for the Grizzlies' playoff chances. Given the cutthroat nature of the Western Conference, even the slightest dip in performance could derail Memphis’ season.

As for Morant himself, it’s unclear whether he’s aware of the potential consequences of his actions. With the recent firing of head coach Taylor Jenkins sparking rumors about the Grizzlies’ future, Morant’s role in the organization could be in question. While general manager Zach Kleiman quickly denied any intention to trade Morant, the ongoing speculation about his future remains unsettling. In today’s NBA, even the most talented players are not immune to trades if their behavior continues to raise concerns.

Morant’s actions have forced the NBA into a tough spot. On one hand, the league prides itself on player expression and allowing players to show their personalities. But on the other hand, there are limits to what can be tolerated, especially when the gestures in question could be perceived as promoting violence. Morant’s repeated "gun gestures" may have crossed a line that the NBA cannot ignore, especially given his past history with firearms.

Ja Morant is undeniably one of the most gifted players in the league, but his continued off-court missteps raise important questions about his future. Can the NBA afford to allow a star player to continue to make such provocative gestures without consequences? And more importantly, can the Memphis Grizzlies continue to build around a player whose behavior is as unpredictable as his play on the court?

One thing is certain: Ja Morant is a player who will continue to dominate the headlines, for better or worse. His skill set is undeniable, but his off-court actions may eventually determine his legacy. For now, the NBA is watching closely, and so are we.