Ja Morant, whose name became sensational and is arguably the most controversial NBA player of 2023, makes his much-awaited appearance on the court following his pending assault case.
A quick recap of what happened between Ja Morant and Joshua Holloway
In a report made by The Washington Post, in July 2022, what was supposed to be a fun-filled evening of basketball turned out to be a disaster for a 17-year-old kid named Joshua Holloway. The high school basketball player was deemed a star in his school and was invited to participate in one of Ja’s usual pick-up games.
According to people who knew Ja, the NBA all-star likes to host pick-up games at his gated basketball court in his Memphis mansion. During a play where the young man was guarding the Grizzlies point guard, tension started arising. Ja Morant threw the ball so hard into Holloway’s chest that he obliged by throwing the ball just as hard to Morant. In an unexpected fashion, the ball “slipped Morant’s hands” and ended up in his face.
It was at that moment that Ja and his close friend Davonte Pack started punching the then 17-year-old. According to a report made by the teenager, he was punched in the head and jaw by Morant “12 to 13 times”, while his friend, Davonte, started giving blows “4 to 5 times” to his side. But, the altercation did not end there. As soon as the supposed victim wanted to leave the vicinity, Ja Morant proceeded to go back inside his house However, he allegedly returned and “came outside with his gun” which was tucked in his waist, according to the boy.
Holloway and his mother filed a lawsuit against Ja Morant and Pack last September. The case is hidden from the public but it became sensational after resurfacing on the internet after Morant made another controversial move by brandishing a gun on an Instagram live video. On Sunday, December 11, 2023, Ja took a stand as he was being held on trial after being accused of battery and assault.
Ja Morant finally takes a stand on the court following his controversial assault case filed by a 17-year-old high school basketball player
Morant is tried for allegedly injuring a minor during a basketball pick-up game turned brawl. On the first day of trial in Shelby County Circuit Court, Morant testified that he indeed “swung first” at Holloway, which he defended was just “self-defense”. The 2-time NBA All-Star was even asked by the court to demonstrate some of the things he mentioned like “a basketball being a lethal weapon” after Holloway allegedly tried to hurt him with the object.
They got Ja Morant in court describing how to pass a basketball, I can’t believe I’m witnessing this pic.twitter.com/ocs1XBm2FB
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) December 11, 2023
The trial was painstakingly long but both camps weren’t ready to give in. However, it became interesting when Holloway’s attorney, Rebecca Adelman showed something bizarre right in front of every attendee. According to The Daily Memphian journalist, Geoff Calkins, Adelman showed clips and highlights of Ja Morant dunking and posterizing other NBA players. One of those visual aids was the iconic 2019 snapshot of Morant almost dunking over Kevin Love.
Adelman used these images to demonstrate how strong Morant’s arms are and “the type of force” that the accused gave the plaintiff. It was equally hilarious as it was odd, considering how a basketball play is now considered evidence during a crime.
Rebecca Adelman, the attorney representing the plaintiff, has brought a basketball into the courtroom and is using a photo of Ja Morant jumping over Kevin Love as a visual aid
Adelman is showing clips of Ja dunking to demonstrate the kind of force directed at Mr. Holloway,… pic.twitter.com/SOxA1NprHI
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 11, 2023
When is Ja Morant returning to the NBA?
After a long day of trial, Judge Carol Chumney told Ja Morant to “Go play basketball”, with no more criminal charges filed on the superstar. But, the 24-year-old baller is still suspended for at least 4 games after another gun video which the NBA thought was detrimental to the league. After the trial on Sunday, Ja Morant posted on X (formerly Twitter) “8 days 4 games”, suggesting the time left before he finally sees action back on the court.
return soon ⏳™️
8 days 4 games 🐻— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) December 11, 2023
The Memphis Grizzlies have been struggling without their superstar point guard on the rotation. Throughout 22 games this season, the Grizzlies only managed to win 6. Last season, Ja Morant was averaging 26.2 points, 8.1 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game.
