Ja Morant Flashes Gun On Instagram Live…Again

Ja Morant is the future of the Memphis Grizzlies. Drafted second overall in 2019, the guard has a career average of 22.4 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game. Furthermore, he has come into his own in the past two seasons. If his production continues, he could grow into an MVP candidate and help make the Grizzlies a perennial contender.

However, the 2022-23 season had its low points for Morant. There was the embarrassing first-round exit to the seven-seed Lakers. Then Morant missed out on a $39 million contract bonus for failing to make an All-NBA team. However, the most notable incident relating to Morant this past season was an eight-game suspension. Morant received the punishment for flashing a gun during an Instagram Live stream at a nightclub.

New Day, Same Morant

Remember what we just said about Morant serving an eight-game suspension for flashing a gun while on Instagram Live? Well, Morant’s gone and done it again. During an Instagram Live stream on Saturday, Morant once again flashed a firearm to the camera. At the time, he and a friend were driving, with Morant in the passenger seat. While his friend quickly attempted to cover for Morant, screenshots were quickly taken and spread across social media. Comments from the live stream caught in the screenshots can be seen asking things like “You know you have an active cam”. However, Morant appeared to be very aware of what was happening when he flashed the firearm.

“Bro on pace to do some generational bag fumbling,” one commentator wrote on a DJ Akademiks post sharing the footage of Morant. No official comment from the Grizzlies or NBA has been released about the new footage of Morant. Furthermore, it’s unclear if disciplinary action will be pursued, as the story is still developing. However, despite saying he was “completely sorry” for the incident that saw him suspended eight games, he’s done the exact same thing once again. If the NBA does choose to punish him for this, we can likely expect the punishment to be much more severe than his initial eight-game suspension. HotNewHipHop has reached out to the NBA for comment. Any updates on the case can be found here on HotNewHipHop.

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Nike Ja 1 “Hunger” Officially Revealed: Release Date

There have been some great signature sneaker releases so far this year, including the Nike Ja 1. Although Ja Morant has had his fair share of issues off the court, he was certainly great on the court this season. Overall, the Nike Ja 1 got to be a huge part of that. Nike is sticking by Ja’s side, and fans are happy to see it. So far, the first signature shoe out of Memphis has given us some amazing colorways. The storytelling has been off the charts, and Nike has every intention of keeping that up.

Throughout the summer, fans can expect a whole host of amazing Ja Morant sneakers to hit the market. With the Nike Ja 1 gaining traction, fans are going to want as many options as possible. Overall, the best way to build hype is by creating a ton of new offerings. While some argue this is oversaturation, this would be a mistake. This is a strategy that works with the Air Jordan 1 and some of Nike’s other iconic silhouettes. Consequently, it could certainly work with Ja Morant’s first shoe.

Read More: Ja Morant Sneakers: Best Nike Ja 1 Colorways

“Hunger” Nike Ja 1

Nike Ja 1
Image via Nike

The latest Nike Ja 1 colorway to be shown off is this “Hunger” model. As you can immediately see, the shoe is mismatched. Firstly, the left shoe mostly has a red mesh upper, with the outsole giving us a dose of blue. Secondly, the right shoe is flipped with a blue mesh upper and some red on the outsole. Lastly, the midsole is black with some orange speckles throughout. We even get black on the Nike swoosh, for good measure.

More Photos

For those of you out there who want these, you will be able to grab a pair as of Thursday, May 25th. Furthermore, the price attached to this shoe is $110 USD which is actually quite affordable. If you want to stunt out on the court this summer, these may just be the move. Let us know what you think of these kicks, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news from around the sneaker world.

Image via Nike
Nike Ja 1O
Image via Nike

Read More: Nike Ja 1 “Sundial” Unveiled: Photos

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Not Being On An All-NBA Team Cost Ja Morant $39M

$39 million is a lot of money. To use the universally accepted metric of “how many Big Macs?”, that’s 7,543,520 Big Macs. It is also the bonus tied to Ja Morant’s supermax rookie extension that he signed last year with the Memphis Grizzlies. Morant’s contract totaled $192.2 million over 5 years. However, he could raise that figure by $39 million if he was named to an All-NBA team for the 2022-23 season. Last season, Morant was named to the All-NBA Second Team.

It didn’t matter which All-NBA team he made in 2022-23, he just had to earn those consecutive honors. Morant played 61 games in the regular season, putting up 26.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game. While his scoring took a slight dip, it was a massive increase in terms of assists. He was 11th in scoring and 5th in assists across the entire league.

Morant Misses Out On All-NBA Honors

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 28: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies warms up before play against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Six of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 28, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

However, Morant watched as the All-NBA honors were announced on May 10 and didn’t see his name anywhere. Of the 100 ballots issued for All-NBA voting, Morant received 10 second-team votes and 14 third-team votes. Second-team honors was always going to be a long shot. that list ended up being comprised of Jaylen Brown, Jimmy Butler, Steph Curry, Nikola Jokić, and Donovan Mitchell. Despite this, there was a strong case for Morant to get third-team honors.

But as Morant failed to break into even the third team (De’Aaron Fox, LeBron James, Damian Lillard, Julius Randle, Domantas Sabonis), his $39 million incentive bonus is voided. And honestly, that’s just a little unfair. Sure he missed some games due to suspension, but he played a great season. Furthermore, it feels rigged against the player to hinge a bonus on something completely out of their control. Regardless, Morant will not receive his bonus based on not meeting his contractual obligation. How do you feel about the situation? Should Morant have gotten All-NBA honors? Let us know in the comments

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Ja Morant Performs NBA YoungBoy

It was an NBA postseason to forget for Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant. Morant returned from injury just in time to be part of a Grizzlies team absolutely outclassed by the Lakers. Morant put 24.6 points per game and shot 42.5% from the floor in the six-game drubbing. While the Lakers may have had their playoff seeding suppressed by regular-season injuries, it was an embarrassing look for the so-called two-seed. Morant will attempt to lead the Grizzlies beyond the first round next season.

Now Morant has a whole offseason to enjoy. He’s already met college star, Angel Reese. But another person Morant is a fan of is NBA YoungBoy. In particular, Morant loves the YoungBoy lyric, “It’s a parade inside my city yeah.” Morant’s love of the lyric even appeared to start, or maybe fuel, beef between YoungBoy and Lil Baby. But now it’s apparently Morant’s turn to drop bars. After all, he’s got the time to do it.

Ja Morant Drops YoungBoy At Club

Morant was spotted performing several NBA YoungBoy songs at a club on May 5. The crowd goes wild as Morant performs. However, what really makes this story is people’s reactions to the impromptu set. “Somebody said he’s really a rapper he just hoop to pay the bills,” writes one commentator. “Happy he don’t gotta play with brooks no more,” writes another, referencing the news that the Grizzlies will be releasing Dillon Brooks.

Although, not everyone was a fan of the news. “He really think he him,” one person writes. Another chimes in with He better not show a gun again like last time,” referring to the weapons charges that earned Morant a suspension. However, several people have stepped up to defend Morant from this line of commenting. “They need to let him live he ball great and deserve to turn up great also,” says one person. “I hope nobody hate he’s literally chillin’,” adds another. How do you feel about Morant’s performance? Let us know in the comments below. Be sure to make HotNewHipHop your first stop for all the latest basketball and music news.

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Ja Morant Out For Game 2

Ja Morant’s availability for Game 2 has finally been announced. The Memphis star will miss Wednesday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. Morant’s absence will be a huge mountain to climb for the Grizzlies. As the team is already down 1-0 to the Lakers. Now the Lakers can start to see blood in the water with the injuries piling up for Memphis. The Grizzlies are already playing without Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke. Being without Morant is just throwing salt in the wound.

However, the Lakers seem to be on the flip side of the injury dilemma. It has taken all season, but the Lakers are finally as healthy as they can be. Although Anthony Davis did suffer an arm injury in Game One of this series. However, Davis later returned, helping lead the Lakers to victory. Now, the chances of the Grizzlies dropping their opening home playoff games have risen to a high level. Morant is the heartbeat of this team. Losing him is going to be a challenge.

Ja Morant’s Absence Will Be Tough Challenge For Memphis

It was no secret that Morant’s chance of playing was going to be a game-time decision. On Tuesday, a video began circulating on social media of Morant’s right hand being heavily wrapped. But now the team has to wonder if their star will even be able to return at all in this series. Morant exited Game One with a hand injury and never re-entered. The team has yet to make a statement on just what type of injury Morant suffered on his right hand.

Whatever the case may be, the series is moving on. The rest of the Grizzlies can’t look back now. The only thing on their mind has to be playing as a unit and taking down the Lakers. Before the injury to Morant, the Lakers were a popular pick for pulling off the first-round upset. Now, it seems the Lakers losing this series would be more of an upset. Do the Grizzlies stand a chance without Ja Morant? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For the latest breaking news in the NBA, keep it right here with HNHH.

Anonymous NBA Player Calls Out Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies are leading the charge for the next generation of talent. The Grizzlies had an incredible 2022-23 season that earned them the second seed in the Western Conference. However, their playoff run has been less than incredible. The Grizzlies are currently down 2-0 to the Los Angeles Lakers in the opening. Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, the team has even had to deal with more bad news during the series. Memphis star Ja Morant suffered a hand injury that has his availability unknown for Wednesday’s Game 3.

The Grizzlies are battling through tough times at the moment. But that isn’t the only thing the team is making headlines for. The Athletic recently spoke to a few NBA players to discuss their thoughts on the league. Of course, the players are anonymous. So no one will be able to claim the comments being made. However, that didn’t stop one anonymous player from going all in on the Grizzlies. “They’re front runners. They’re just extra. They talk when they’re winning. They don’t say s— when they’re losing. Their whole thing over there is just annoying.”

Memphis Grizzlies Not Gaining Respect Throughout The League

The Grizzlies have been making a lot of waves with their actions on the court. Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks has become one of the more outspoken players in the league. Before the playoffs, Brooks said he would gladly welcome a playoff series with the Lakers. Because he wanted to be a part of the team to eliminate LeBron James from the playoffs. However, that doesn’t seem like the case right now. The Lakers have a huge chance to put another nail in the Grizzlies coffin on Wednesday night.

It seems that talking trash without major team accomplishments doesn’t sit well with other players. Maybe the comments came from an older player that would like to see the younger generation show respect. However, any time a new generation begins its journey, it isn’t welcomed by those that came before. Do you think the Memphis Grizzlies do too much talking on the court? Or do you think the Grizzlies are bringing in a new era to the game? Let us know your thoughts on the Grizzlies in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

Ja Morant Sneakers: Best Nike Ja 1 Colorways

Ja Morant is one of the biggest rising stars in the NBA. Blazing with his flashy style on the court, Ja Morant has garnered a loyal fan base despite recent controversies. Since their first announcement, fans have been excited for Nike to drop their line of Ja Morant sneakers. With the Ja 1, Morant joins other NBA elites with their own signature Nike line, like Kevin Durant.

Reminiscent of Kyrie Irving’s line, the first line of Ja Morant sneakers features an entirely synthetic upper. The true-to-size fits, and other performance perks of the Ja 1, make the sneaker popular amongst hoopers and sneakerheads alike. Like other Nike signature shoes, the Ja 1 benefits from yearlong drops with awesome colorways. Though plenty of new colorways will be released later this year, fans are buzzing about the current roster. Here are the best-announced colorways of the new Ja Morant sneaker from Nike, the Ja 1!

Ja 1 “Light Smoke Grey”

The calm approach of this modest colorway is still appreciated by fans of the newly released Ja Morant sneakers. The white, gray, and black colorway accents the vibrant hits of yellow on the tongue and heel branding. The usual graphics seen in other colorways are absent, replaced by the mismatched color arrangement on the sneaker. This is where the white mesh base shoe gets its flare. Though not as bold as the “Mis-Match” Ja 1 colorway, the “Light Smoke Grey” still has plenty of personality. 

The right sneaker sports gray on the swooshes and midfoot panel, while the swooshes on the left sneaker are black. The color scheme of the left sneaker is white to light grey at the midsole. On the right sneaker, the color scheme goes from off-white at the midsole to white. 

Though toned down compared to other colorways, the “Light Smoke Grey” Ja 1 is still a uniquely new option among the Ja Morant sneakers.  With its fresh white mesh base and sharp mismatched color scheme, fans are excited to get their hands on this colorway in time for the Spring.

Ja 1 “Scratch”

The first colorway of the Ja Morant sneaker to officially drop , the “Scratch” colorway was a good first impression for the Ja 1. This colorway matches the Memphis Grizzlies’ alternate uniforms. Additionally, the team wore this colorway back when they were located in Vancouver. The Ja Morant sneaker has a turquoise blue mesh with black and dark red accents throughout the leather upper. The defining feature of this colorway is the Grizzlies claw marks on the front, swooshes, and midsole. Other details include Morant’s logo on the tongues and the “12” branding on the heels. 

Ja 1 “MisMatch”

This colorway borrows its color scheme from the Ja 1 “Game Royal University Red.” The left shoe sports a Game Royal/ Black, University Red and Photo blue color scheme, which is reversed on the right shoe. Black accents and red speckling on the bottoms bring home the fresh look of the mismatched pair. The colorway contains the Ja 1’s usual flashy graphics, with the familiar “12” donning the heel and tongue. It is a more “plain” and solid colorway, and the “Mismatch” still has enough character to keep sneakerheads excited. 

Ja 1 “Midnight”

This colorway makes it easy to bet on black! The Anthracite/Metallic Silver-Cobalt Bliss color scheme looks great on the all-black mesh and leather upper. In fact, this colorway also has other eye-catching features apart from its sleek black color scheme. The “12AM” lace dubrae and Nike Ja hangtag give the sneaker extra swagger. Diamond-like stones on the wrap-around swooshes and “IT’S 12AM SOMEWHERE” written on the heel are incredible details of the sneaker. The vivid details, along with the subtle color scheme, makes the “Midnight” a very slept-on colorway from the line of Ja Morant sneakers.

Ja 1 “Day One”

One of the latest released colorways, this Ja Morant sneaker was unveiled first despite the late release. Fans of Ja Morant have been hyped for this release since they were revealed on Christmas Day 2022. This Spring release of the Ja Morant sneaker has a boldly vibrant color scheme of Cobalt Bliss, Citron Tint, Hot Punch, Medium Soft Pink, and Diffused Blue. The gradient wrap-around Swoosh and mismatched tongue logos also give the shoes extra flare. 

The vibrant colorway also has other subtle details to excite the sneakerheads. The Ja 1’s trademark “12AM” text covers the shoe’s heel, giving it character. A text dedication to his beloved friends, family, neighborhood, and community is printed on the bottom. All these features make the Ja 1 Day One among fans’ top-coveted Ja Morant colorways. 

Ja Morant Listed As Game-Time Decision For Game 2

Ja Morant is trending in the right direction to rejoin his team for Game 2. The Memphis star exited Game 1 of the series with the Los Angeles Lakers for a hand injury. Morant’s absence was abundantly clear as the Lakers rolled to a 128-112 victory. Now, the Grizzlies are hoping that their star guard will be available when the teams meet in Game 2 on Wednesday. However, the team doesn’t want to make a ruling on Morant until the last possible moment.

According to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the Grizzlies still believe Morant will be available. “I do not sense a great deal of optimism around this Grizzlies team that Ja Morant will be ready to play in Game 2 [vs. Lakers] but they’ve not ruled him out, they’re going to take it up until tomorrow,” Woj commented during his appearance on NBA on ESPN. The Grizzlies will need all the help they can get. As the Lakers continue to improve game by game.

Ja Morant Will Need To Lead Grizzlies Over Lakers

The Western Conference has so many storylines involving the matchups. However, the biggest may be the new guard against the old. The Lakers and Warriors are underdogs to the Grizzlies and Kings. The clashing of generations has made for incredible action. But the Lakers are not ready to be put in the retirement home. The Grizzlies not having Morant will even give the Lakers more confidence as they look to avoid being sent home in the first round.

Ja Morant’s presence alone is a big factor for the Grizzlies. In the video above, you can see that Morant is all smiles as the team takes the floor. However, you can also see that Morant’s hand is being heavily wrapped. Although it would be impossible for Morant to play with his hand that protected. However, something tells me the Grizzlies star will do whatever it takes to be on the floor Wednesday night. Do you think Morant will be available for the pivotal Game 2 matchup? Let us know in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

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Ja Morant Injury Update

Ja Morant looked to suffer a very serious injury in the Grizzlies loss to Los Angeles on Sunday. The injury derailed any chance the Grizzlies had at making a comeback on the Lakers. Now it looks like the team could be without Morant for a pivotal Game 2. NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski went on NBA on ESPN Monday to discuss Morant’s availability for Game 2. Woj stated there is significant doubt that the Grizzlies will be without their biggest star.

Losing Morant will be a fatal blow to any Grizzlies playoff run. The team is already dealing with injuries to Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke. Losing Morant could all but be the end of the Grizzlies season. Memphis has had a phenomenal season, with Morant leading the charge. One has to think Morant will give it everything he has to return this series. However, the organization also has to look at the future of the franchise in regard to Morant’s injury.

Ja Morant’s Absence Could Spell The End Of Memphis

Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, the Lakers have been one of the trendy teams heading into the playoffs. The Lakers are finally healthy enough to put the rest of the Western Conference on notice. But even the Lakers are weary of future injuries. Lakers star Anthony Davis injured his arm on Sunday. The injury had Davis telling the Lakers medical staff that he couldn’t feel his arms. However, Davis returned to the lineup and delivered for his team when he needed it the most. But the fear still remains if the Lakers can stay healthy.

The city of Memphis will be on round-the-clock surveillance on any news regarding Morant’s injury. But the Grizzlies will have to begin focusing on trying to even the series with the Lakers. Memphis may even need to think about how they will go about the series without Morant. Morant’s loss will shake up the entire playoff picture. But that’s not the Lakers problem. Can the Grizzlies defeat the Lakers without Ja Morant? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

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