The Memphis Grizzlies were thrilled to welcome Ja Morant back to the floor on Wednesday night.
Morant was suspended eight games by the NBA for a video posted to Instagram showing him appearing to hold a gun.
It was a reckless move by Morant and he was rightfully punished for it.
But, did he get off easy?
Jay Williams believes that Morant should have faced a harsher punishment.
He thought the rest of the regular season would have sufficed.
Williams also mentioned how Morant should be made to complete counseling successfully.
"I do believe the NBA missed the mark on his suspension. I thought he should've been suspended for the rest of the regular season without pay, and his return should have been subject to successful counseling from the NBA."
Jay Williams on Ja Morantpic.twitter.com/xCIudnNaVm
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) March 23, 2023
The NBA could have made an example of Morant, and how what he did will not be tolerated.
Yet, they decided to only suspend him the eight games, and he is already back on the floor.
It will be interesting to see how Morant is viewed by the league and fans moving forward.
You can expect if he commits another off-court violation that his punishment will be much harsher.
But when it comes to opposing fans, Morant will have to deal with being heckled.
The Grizzlies are already one of the most talkative teams in the league, despite accomplishing nothing.
So that rubs plenty of fans the wrong way.
The Western Conference playoffs will be a thrill for the league, especially as many people root against the Grizzlies.
Their arrogant style puts a target on their back, and many teams would love the opportunity to knock them out of the playoffs.
Keep an eye on how this team responds to all the noise around them as we get set for the playoffs.
NEXT: Ja Morant Made A Statement in His Long-Awaited Return
