Anyone who watches Shaq on Inside the NBA – or any other sports-commentary show, for that matter – knows our man is not shy about handing out either critical reviews or props and commendations as he sees fit. The latest to benefit from some good vibes from O’Neal: returning Memphis superstar Ja Morant.
Just a few days ago (as of this writing), Shaq and Charles Barkley discussed Morant on the pregame edition of Inside the NBA ahead of the Grizzlies’ game against the New Orleans Pelicans in NOLA. O’Neal said he was looking forward to what he called a high-energy effort from Morant, and hoops fans were not disappointed.
O’Neal said he was feeling Morant – who’s had a slew of personal issues in the past year or so – is really wanting to put those off-court issues behind him, and getting fans to see him for the on-court star that he is.
Shaq: “If I’m Ja Morant, I know everything is my fault. I’m taking on that villain role and I’m going for (a playoff spot). Speaking of the Griz, Shaq said, “Right now, we’re not a good team. We have to make up eight games. Is Ja Morant good enough to make up eight games and possibly get (to a postseason spot)? I say he is.”
Shaq said he believes Morant is good enough to carry the Grizzlies back up the standings: “I think he’s ready to make the world forget about his mistakes. Two, three, four, five (good games in a row), everyone is back on the bandwagon. We’ll always remember what he did, but come out and score 50 tonight and watch what everybody says.”
If you saw the game, you know that O’Neal’s thoughts and predictions were absolutely spot-on. Morant had a big night, and the Grizzlies looked revitalized. After the game, Shaq had some high praise for Ja Morant.. Calling it one of the best comeback stories he’s ever seen.
Shaq: “That’s how you come back. That’s a helluva comeback story, probably one of the best comeback stories I’ve seen. Young fella made a mistake, he did his time, he paid his dues, he didn’t complain. He took it like how we say on the streets, he took it like a real G. He came back with that look.”
Can Morant keep himself and his team on track through the rest of the season? Of course there’s no telling just yet, but Shaq likes what he’s seeing. “This guy wants to be great,” he said. I respect guys like this that want to be great. Ja, I’m happy for you, I’m happy for your family. You get the golf clap from me. That’s how you come back, young brotha.”
As of this blog post, the Memphis Grizzlies are on a good run. They’ve gone 3-0 since Morant’s return, with impressive wins against the New Orleans Pelicans, Indiana Pacers, and Atlanta Hawks. Will it hold up? Well, that’s why they play the games. We’ll see!