Home Basketball Grizzlies’ Ja Morant gifts 11-year-old fan courtside seats, an autographed jersey, and his game-worn Nikes after her team-signed ball was STOLEN at Monday’s game: Fans call the NBA star a ‘hero’ and ‘the definition of class’

Grizzlies’ Ja Morant gifts 11-year-old fan courtside seats, an autographed jersey, and his game-worn Nikes after her team-signed ball was STOLEN at Monday’s game: Fans call the NBA star a ‘hero’ and ‘the definition of class’

Basketball — 05/16/2024

On Wednesday, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant added to his highlight reel by providing a little fan with courtside seats, an autographed jersey, and his sneakers after her team-signed ball was stolen during a previous game.

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant added to his highlight reel on Wednesday by giving a young fan courtside seats, an autographed jersey, and his sneakers after her team-signed ball was stolen at a game earlier in the week. Ellie Hughes, an 11-year-old Grizzlies fan, is seen her with her father and Morant after Wednesday's win
‘[My] favorite moment today,’ Morant, 23, tweeted, along with a photo and video of the post-game exchange following Memphis’ 135-129 victory over the visiting San Antonio Spurs.

Ellie Hughes, an 11-year-old Grizzlies fan, was attempting to capture Morant’s attention for an autograph during Monday’s game versus San Antonio when two people stole her unique ball. Hughes, of Forrest City, Arkansas, had been collecting players’ autographs on the ball for the past six years while attending games with her grandfather.
According to Memphis News 5, the alleged theft occurred when Hughes left her ball at her seat while trying to get Morant’s autograph.

Hearing of her plight through social media, Morant reached out to her family, invited her to Wednesday night's rematch against the Spurs and then gave her his game-worn jersey and Ja 1 Nike shoes, which haven't been released to the public yet
‘When my grandfather walked up there to check what was going on, they started walking away or running at a fast clip,’ Hughes explained.

The ball featured autographs from Grizzlies players Dillon Brooks, [Ziaire] Williams, Jaren Jackson Jr., David Roddy, and Danny Green.

Morant with Adam Hughes and his daughter, Ellie
Hearing about her predicament on social media, Morant contacted her family, invited her to Wednesday night’s rematch with the Spurs, and then handed her his game-worn jersey and Ja 1 Nike sneakers, which have yet to be published to the public.
Morant said his pleasant gesture as something he enjoys doing. ‘That is how you touch someone’s heart. I’ve been a big Grizzlies fan for years. Moments like those are the most important to them. Something they won’t forget.

Hughes’ father joined the post-game courtside talk and later posted his thoughts on Twitter.

Hughes received Ja 1 Nike shoes, which haven't been released to the public yet
“You are my HERO for life now!!!” Adam Hughes, the elder Hughes, addressed Morant via Twitter. “Father, what you did for my daughter tonight was unbelievable.” We will never forget this!! Thank you and to your entire family, sir!! Your sister, father, and mother are all extremely sweet!!! Your dad made sure I was taken care of tonight!!

Tee, Morant’s father, is a well-known figure among Grizzlies fans.