Ja Morant spent some time in China during the NBA offseason. What did he learn?
“That I don’t only have motion where my feet at,” he said. “It’s global.”
Morant spoke at Grizzlies media day on Sept. 29, just a day before training camp starts in Nashville. Morant had few words as he previewed the Grizzlies’ 2025-26 season.
“I love it,” he said when asked about new coach Tuomas Iisalo’s system. Asked to elaborate, he replied: “It fits me.”
Last season included plenty of adversity for Morant, who dealt with multiple injuries. The Grizzlies started the season strong, then faltered down the stretch and fired coach Taylor Jenkins with nine games remaining in the regular season.
The Grizzlies had a double-digit lead in Game 3 of their playoff series against the eventual NBA-champion Oklahoma City Thunder before Morant was undercut by Lu Dort on a dunk attempt and missed the rest of the series. The Thunder ultimately won in a 4-0 sweep.
“That’s in the past now,” Morant said. “My focus now is just being locked in to this season, staying focused on the main thing. Go out and just do what I do.”
There have been plenty of changes since that playoff series, too. Memphis traded Desmond Bane, drafted Cedric Coward in the first round and made multiple free-agent signings. Expectations will be all over the place as the Grizzlies break in a new roster and navigate injuries to Jaren Jackson Jr., Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke.
Morant was asked about his legacy, too.
“Number one, for me, my goal is to win,” he said. “Obviously being a winner, bringing a championship here. But it’s more than that for me. Off the court is probably the biggest thing. Being the best Ja I can be on and off the court, for the city.”
Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on X @thejonahdylan.