Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has found himself at the center of heated discussions after making a surprising statement following his extended absence from the court. Morant, who recently returned from missing 24 games due to injuries and off-court issues, candidly admitted in a post-game interview, “I’m not the player I used to be. I feel like I’ve lost a step, and I’ve got a lot of work to do.”

This vulnerable admission shocked fans, many of whom have grown accustomed to Morant’s high-flying, electrifying style of play. While some fans applauded his honesty and self-awareness, others took to social media to express their disappointment. Critics labeled his statement as “defeatist,” with one fan posting, “How can the face of our franchise admit that? Leaders don’t talk like this.”

Supporters, however, defended Morant, arguing that the star is simply holding himself accountable and showing the kind of humility that leads to growth. “Ja’s being real with us. He’s human, and he’s not giving up. Let’s give him time to bounce back,” a fan commented on Twitter.

Morant’s struggles have coincided with a rough patch for the Grizzlies, who have slipped in the Western Conference standings during his absence. However, Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins emphasized the team’s unwavering confidence in their franchise player. “Ja is still the heart of this team. His admission shows he’s ready to put in the work and get back to his best.”

As the Grizzlies fight to secure a strong playoff position, all eyes will be on Morant to see how he responds to this critical juncture in his career. Fans remain divided, but one thing is certain—Morant’s journey back to peak form will be one of the most closely watched narratives in the NBA.