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Dec 09, 2023

Ja Morant could face 'lengthy suspension' after new gun video

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The NBA is likely to come down hard on Ja Morant after his latest issues with a potential firearm came to light in a video surfacing Sunday.

"Ja Morant is facing the very real possibility of a suspension, a lengthy suspension, to start next season after this latest incident when he had an apparent firearm in his possession," ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported.

"This is twice in two months now," Wojnarowski continued on the "NBA Countdown" show prior to 76ers-Celtics Game 7. "The league suspended him for eight games, retroactive to really just two games, earlier this season."

The Grizzlies have already suspended Morant indefinitely from all team activities on Sunday, pending a review after being filmed on Instagram Live with an apparent firearm.

"I sense already today that [commissioner] Adam Silver is going to feel increasing pressure from other teams in the league who see this as much as it impacts the Grizzlies. It impacts their ability to market their players."

Morant attended a short rehab counseling program in Florida during his eight-game suspension before returning to the team during the regular season.

The 23-year-old claimed to "feel much better" after his return from the initial suspension but he is unlikely to be given the same benefit of the doubt this time

"There was a sense with that eight-game suspension last season that Adam Silver showed some restraint in that edict earlier this season with Ja Morant," Wojnarowski said. "He took him at his word that he would make better decisions.

Adrian Wojnarowski on Ja Morant:"Ja Morant is facing the very real possibility of a lengthy suspension to start next season." pic.twitter.com/qkmHQCU5zD

"The league's investigating and making sure that this was a legitimate video and it was not doctored in some way. I think there is a real possibility if that is what it appeared to be, a weapon in Ja Morant's hand, he again will likely face a significant suspension to start next season."

New York Post Columnist and NBA analyst Jalen Rose speculated that Morant could be given a 20-25 game suspension to start the 2023 regular season on "NBA Countdown."

With new rules surrounding All-NBA teams and awards, this suspension length would take Morant out of the running for any accolades this coming season.

Accoridng to the new CBA, players must play in at least 65 games to be eligible for the NBA MVP or All-NBA teams.

Morant missed making All-NBA this year, thanks in large part to his suspension this past year, costing him about $39 million.