'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Memphis Grizzlies signed Derrick Rose in the offseason in preparation for Ja Morant's 25-game suspension. Some even saw the move as a way for Morant to have a veteran voice in the locker room. But NBA fans are trolling the Grizzlies duo with a new nickname that's wildly appropriate, or not, depending on perspective.
Rose and Morant did not have the opportunity to play together when the latter returned from suspension on Monday against the New Orleans Pelicans. The former MVP is dealing with a hamstring injury and has not played since Dec. 15.
In Morant's first game back in Memphis in front of the home fans, Rose sent a heartfelt message of support to his new teammate:
"And on behalf of the fans, I want to say welcome back Ja," Rose said. "We proud of you, shorty. Stay locked in, and we appreciate you. Stay blessed."
While Memphis Grizzlies fans cannot wait for Ja Morant and Derrick Rose to link up, some on social media have dropped a nickname for the duo. The NBA Memes account even called them:
"Guns N' Roses."
It was a play on Morant's gun issues that got him suspended for a total of 33 games and Rose's last name. However, one fan was not having any of it:
"It would be a better name if they were a good duo."
One fan has a different but positive perspective:
"It is pretty fire tbh. Rose is the perfect mentor for Ja too. Rose had a similar, athletic playstyle in his prime."
Here are other reactions to the Morant-Rose duo's new "nickname" on X:
Also Read: 5 landing spots for RJ Barrett as trade rumors surface about New York Knicks star
Grizzlies 2-0 since Ja Morant's return from suspension
Ja Morant returned from his 25-game suspension on Dec. 19 against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Morant struggled a bit in the first half but turned it up in the final two quarters of the game. He ended the game with 34 points, six rebounds, eight assists and two steals in the Memphis Grizzlies' 115-113 win.
He also hit the game-winning shot at the buzzer to give Memphis a boost in confidence. It was a dazzling play that proved how great a player the 24-year-old guard is. It was also a message sent to all his haters and doubters around the league.
In his first game at home this season on Thursday, Morant had 20 points, five rebounds and eight assists in a win over the Indiana Pacers. The Grizzlies will be back in action on Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks.
Also Read: Injury woes frustrate Brooklyn Nets star Ben Simmons: "I wanna be out there"
