Grizzlies’ Derrick Rose About Ja Morant: “I’m not here to babysit”

Derrick Rose intends to tutor Ja Morant but will not babysit him.

Grizzlies’ Derrick Rose About Ja Morant: “I’m not here to babysit”

Rose, now 34, joined the Grizzlies this offseason as Ja Morant is serving a 25-game ban for flashing a handgun on a live stream.

Rose made his intentions about his relationship with Morant known during the Grizzlies’ media day on Monday.

“I’m not here to babysit, I’m not here to follow you around, I’m not here to cheerlead,” Rose said, according to the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

“I’m here to push you. In the league, there are very few opportunities where players get a chance to play with somebody who has a similar style of play. I’m very fortunate to be in a situation where a lot of people look at his game and they kind of compare our games together. But he’s on a whole other level.”

While Rose’s babysitting remark may elicit a knee-jerk reaction from some, Rose’s remark and explanation are both honest and honourable. Nobody on the Memphis roster should have to hold Morant’s hand and make sure he’s making the proper decisions, like not going on Instagram live and flashing a pistol twice last season.

Rose’s new job as Morant’s mentor will begin earlier than some may have anticipated.

While the point guard has been suspended for the first 25 games of the season, he is allowed to train and travel with the team.

On media day, Memphis Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman stated that Ja Morant will be permitted to travel and train with the club while serving his 25-game ban beginning with the start of the next season.

Ja Morant has accomplished “meaningful and positive steps” since his well-documented problems last season, according to Kleiman.

“The NBA basically has said that as long as Ja continues to stay on track, he’s going to be clear to participate in all private team activities, so practices, shootarounds, travelling with the team,” Kleiman said.

 

 

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