Jackson stated, “We just gotta navigate it,” following the last day of Team USA’s training camp in Sin City and before the team’s first exhibition match against Puerto Rico on Monday night in anticipation of the FIBA World Cup. “It’s obvious that losing Ja would leave a huge void, but he’s not going anywhere, so that’s not the case.
“He’s gonna give us all the tools to be able to get that done.”
A little over two months after he first used a gun in a livestream in a Denver bar, Morant was suspended for 25 games without pay in June for “conduct detrimental to the league” following his May car-posing video.
In addition, the NBA stated that Morant’s suspension will prevent him from playing in “any public league or team activities, including preseason games,” and that he must “meet certain conditions” before he can resume his career.
The Grizzlies had a number of noteworthy events this summer, including the suspension of their top guard. After a difficult first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers, the team’s best perimeter defender and vocal leader, Dillon Brooks, chose not to re-sign, and Tyus Jones was shipped to Washington as part of a three-team trade that sent Marcus Smart, a longtime star of the Boston Celtics, to the Grizzlies.
Until the team’s lucky player returns to the court, Smart is anticipated to step in for Morant as the starting point guard and take over for Brooks as the team’s best perimeter defensive player. Jackson claimed to have spoken with Smart previously and expressed excitement about what the league’s Defensive Player of the Year winner may bring to Memphis in the upcoming campaign.
About the Smart addition, Jackson remarked, “Oh, it’s dope.” “I already sent him an SMS. Having someone with that ability to play both ends and experience in a championship setting is fantastic. We are aware of the enthusiasm and heart he gives to a squad, in addition to his extensive knowledge of the game. His head will be quite sharp when it comes to the locker room and other such things. Thus, fantastic addition.”
Jackson expressed his happiness at teammate Desmond Bane’s ability to reach a deal with the Grizzlies last month for a five-year, $207 million extension.
“Oh, yeah,” Jackson grinned and chuckled. “He really has a ton of money. So, certainly, yes.”
However, Jackson is concentrating on his work with Team USA for the next few weeks, as it looks he’s locked into the starting lineup as the team’s center. While he will be focusing on the Grizzlies when training camp returns in October. He expressed his satisfaction with the way training camp, which concluded on Sunday, went.
“Excellent,” Jackson exclaimed. “We’re learning more about one another. never played together before. Consequently, meeting new individuals. Everyone is well familiar with the game. Good coaches, savvy players, and intelligent point guards. It’s gone well. Together, we’ve been playing incredibly well. Excellent energy and conversation; the coaches were quite impressed. So, we’re prepared to leave.”