In response to Stephen A. Smith’s assertion, Ja Morant hits back: NBA players stay away from Memphis because of Ja Morant

Star point guard Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies rebutted Stephen A. Smith’s assertion that NBA players are afraid to play for Morant’s team in Memphis due to the city’s unsafe environment.
Following the trade of Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic, the Grizzlies could consider trading Morant and starting over during Tuesday’s episode of “First Take,” with Smith and NBA siblings Marcus and Markieff Morris serving as panelists.

Smith explained to Marcus Morris why the players aren’t interested in playing in Memphis.

“Memphis is a fantastic sports town with fantastic fans and wonderful people, but there’s a certain element that makes cats like Jimmy Butler and others feel unsafe,” Smith told Front Office Sports.

I am interacting with the Memphis municipal officials. It’s discouraging to NBA players, so you should clear up some of it.
It has been discussed. Yes, I am aware. They informed me. That’s my entire point.

“Memphis is a fantastic sports town with fantastic fans and wonderful people, but there’s a certain element that makes cats like Jimmy Butler and others feel unsafe,” Smith told Front Office Sports

. I am interacting with the Memphis municipal officials. It’s discouraging to NBA players, so you should clear up some of it. It has been discussed. Yes, I am aware. They informed me. That’s my entire point.

Smith also spoke about Morant directly on the show, bringing up his gun incidents that led to NBA suspensions. Without those, Smith said, Morant is a “good brother,” though he made a “foolish mistake.”