Ja Morant’s father, Tee Morant, appeared to respond to LeBron James after the LA Lakers star criticized the city of Memphis. On the “Bob Does Sports” show on Thursday, James said that he “might have pulled an Eli Manning” had the Grizzlies won the 2003 NBA draft lottery. The four-time MVP added that he wouldn’t want “to do s**t in Memphis on a random-a** Thursday.”
Hours after clips of James’ comments circulated on social media, Tee Morant dropped a three-word comment:
“The MEMPHIS Grizzlies.”
In 2003, the Grizzlies had a shot at the No. 1 pick, but fortune did not favor them. Once they failed to win the lottery, they had to send the No. 2 pick to the Detroit Pistons as part of the conditions for a 1997 trade involving Otis Thorpe.
While the Grizzlies rued what might have been, James said he may have forced his way out of Memphis had he landed there, just as Eli Manning refused to be drafted by the San Diego Chargers in 2004. The Chargers drafted the quarterback, but immediately sent him to the New York Giants for Philip Rivers.
LeBron James didn’t stop there. The All-Star forward continued that the Grizzlies should move to Nashville, an idea he said he shares with other NBA players. Draymond Green, Kevin Durant, Derrick White, Anthony Edwards and others have also complained about playing in Memphis.
Fans Troll Tee Morant Following His Alleged Response to LeBron James
Tee Morant’s comment earned reactions from fans. One fan wrote:
“Nashville Grizzlies sound betta.”
Another fan added:
“Ni**a, y’all bouta get shipped outta town. Calm down.”
One more fan continued:
“Boy, yo son don’t even wanna be there.”
Another fan commented:
“Man, shawty Ja ain’t finna be there inna few years. They finna ship buddy to Seattle.”
One fan tweeted:
“Ja Morant ain’t even playing for them next season.”
Only time will tell if James’ comments will affect the NBA, particularly the Grizzlies. It’s also worth noting that the Grizzlies reportedly tried to trade Ja Morant in February. If a trade does happen in the offseason, it’s anybody’s guess if Tee Morant will change his tune about the city and the franchise.
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