Charles Barkley calls out Ja Morant after new celebration

Drew Bishop

Charles Barkley calls out Ja Morant after new celebration image

Feb 11, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) controls the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Ja Morant's new hand grenade celebration has drawn the ire of some of basketball's biggest voices.

The "NBA on TNT" crew discussed the Memphis star Thursday night and shared their thoughts on his controversial taunt. 

Charles Barkley brought up the coaching change Memphis made recently, calling out Morant's maturity.

"I know one person happy right now. Taylor Jenkins ain't got to deal with this crap," Barkley said. "He's gonna get another job he deserves and not have to deal with this immature stuff."

Kenny Smith referenced Morant's history with guns and suggested he should leave weapon-based celebrations behind.

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Morant debuted the hand grenade on Tuesday against Charlotte. He flashed it again on Thursday against the Timberwolves.

He was on the record saying: "That's my celebration until somebody got a problem with it." 

Some big voices in the basketball world have a problem with it, but the league has not taken action against Morant. Until they do, he will continue miming projectiles.

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Drew Bishop

Drew Bishop is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. After graduating from the Klein College of Media and Communication at Temple University, he worked in local media in Sandusky, Ohio at BCSN and the Sandusky Register, freelancing as a reporter, broadcast director and play-by-play commentator for high school sports. He then moved on to KRIS 6 News where he serves as a producer in the news department.