Memphis Grizzlies figure out how to bring back Ja Morant: ‘A lot of internal dialogue going on’ | NBA news

Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins declined to confirm the timing of the return of star guard Ja Morant.

The 23-year-old has been unlisted since a video surfaced showing him brandishing a gun at a Denver strip club.

Although no charges have been filed, Morant has spent time away from court dealing with personal issues ESPN Citing unidentified sources, he entered a counseling program in Florida.

However, Jenkins, aware of the unfolding saga so far, declined to comment on the report.

“In addition to what I said before, respecting the situation and the nature of things, I think I said at the beginning that he needs time and responsibility to improve himself to be good for our team. Jenkins said.

“I will not comment further until further updates are required.”

Morant’s Game 6 is Wednesday night in Miami, but Jenkins said the club isn’t ready to say what happens after that.

“There’s a lot of internal dialogue going on,” Jenkins added.

“At the league level, there are still things we’re communicating. Ja is fully committed to this process and everything that comes after these two games.”

The Grizzlies are battling the Sacramento Kings for the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. These teams are three games ahead in a tight field trying to stay in the top six and avoid the Western playoffs.

“We’re trying to win basketball games,” said guard Desmond Bane, who led the Grizzlies with 23 points in Monday’s win over the Dallas Mavericks.

“Ja is obviously getting help. When he is ready to return to the team, we will welcome him with open arms.”

Memphis won its third straight without Morant after losing its first two. The Grizzlies went 20-5 without him last year when they finished second in the West.

“I think it’s a lot of factors,” Jenkins said of last season’s success without Morant. “It’s not about doing more. It’s about playing to the best of your ability, just looking for opportunities.”