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Memphis Grizzlies star point guard Ja Morant has been suspended for eight games without pay by the NBA for conduct detrimental to the league.
In other news, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is facing an automatic one-game suspension. Green picked up his 16th technical foul of the season during their game against the LA Clippers on Wednesday.
On that note, here is the latest news from around the NBA as of March 16, 2023.
Ja Morant suspended 8 games by NBA
Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has been away from the team indefinitely following his gun-wielding incident at a Colorado nightclub on March 4. Fans have been wondering exactly how long Morant will be away from the team. The NBA has now provided some clarity on that front.
On Wednesday, the league announced that Morant has been suspended for eight games without pay for conduct detrimental to the league. The suspension, however, began from the time he chose to depart the team.
This means that Morant will be eligible to return to action for the Grizzlies as early as Monday against the Dallas Mavericks. However, according to Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins, it is unlikely that Morant will play on Monday.
The NBA said in its statement that their investigation concluded that Morant was not the owner of the gun he was seen brandishing at a nightclub. Likewise, it concluded that the guard did not travel with the gun.
“The league did not conclude that the gun at issue belonged to Morant, was brought by him into the nightclub or was displayed by him beyond a brief period,” the NBA said.
“The investigation also did not find that Morant possessed the gun while traveling with the team or in any NBA facility, and the Colorado authorities did not find sufficient cause to charge Morant with a crime.”
NBA commissioner Adam Silver also spoke about the controversy, highlighting that Morant is ready to move on and grow from the incident:
“Ja’s conduct was irresponsible, reckless and potentially very dangerous,” Silver said.
“It also has serious consequences given his enormous following and influence, particularly among young fans who look up to him. He has expressed sincere contrition and remorse for his behavior.
“Ja has also made it clear to me that he has learned from this incident and that he understands his obligations and responsibility to the Memphis Grizzlies and the broader NBA community extend well beyond his play on the court,” Silver continued.
Ja Morant is averaging 27.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 1.1 steals per game on 46.3% shooting through 53 games. The Memphis Grizzlies (41-27, third in the West) are 7-8 without him this season. However, they have gone 3-2 in the five games he has missed since March 4.
Also read: “The gun wasn’t mine” - Ja Morant comes out and explains his recent actions
Draymond Green facing one-game suspension after picking up 16th technical foul
Draymond Green picked up his 16th technical foul of the season during his team’s 134-126 loss to the LA Clippers on Wednesday.
The technical occurred with under one minute remaining in the second quarter. Clippers big man Ivica Zubac scored a basket in the paint. Following the made shot, Green grabbed the ball and tossed it at opposing point guard Russell Westbrook.
Per league rules, Green is now facing an automatic one-game suspension. This is assuming that the league does not rescind the technical.
However, Green thinks that the league could rescind one of his previous technicals:
"I expect something to change," Green said postgame.
"I got one tech this year because a ref yelled at me and I said, 'If I yell at you, I'm gonna get a fine.' I got a tech for it. So, I think something will change.
"If that's a tech, then every word you say on the court is a tech. We'll see," he continued.
Draymond Green is averaging 8.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.8 blocks per game on 52.3% shooting through 62 games. Golden State (36-34, sixth in the West) is 3-5 without Green this season.
Watch: Draymond Green and Marcus Morris Sr. need to be separated during Warriors-Clippers game
Andre Iguodala to undergo surgery for fractured left wrist
Golden State Warriors veteran forward Andre Iguodala suffered a fractured left wrist during his team’s 123-112 win over the Phoenix Suns on Monday. The injury occurred during a drive to the basket in the third quarter.
The team announced the injury on Wednesday and said that Iguodala is now set to undergo surgery next week.
Andre Iguodala has only played in eight games for the Golden State Warriors this season due to conditioning issues and a hip injury. With just 12 games remaining, it now appears that the 39-year-old’s season is over. Given his age, there is also a chance that this could mark the end of his illustrious career.
Iguodala is averaging 2.1 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game on 46.7% shooting through eight games this season.
Utah Jazz sign Kris Dunn to multi-year deal
The Utah Jazz have signed veteran point guard Kris Dunn to a multi-year deal following consecutive 10-day contracts with the team. The former No. 5 pick was originally signed to his first 10-day deal on Feb. 22 to add some depth to the Jazz’s depleted backcourt.
Utah traded away guards Mike Conley and Malik Beasley at the trade deadline. Meanwhile, guards Jordan Clarkson (finger) and Collin Sexton (hamstring) are both sidelined due to injuries. This presented Dunn with a prime opportunity to prove himself.
Over nine games with Utah, the veteran has averaged 11.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.6 steals per game on 53.1% shooting.
The Utah Jazz (33-36, 11th in the West) have gone 4-5 with Dunn in the lineup.
Guess the Lakers players!
