Ja Morant’s celebrations have become a significant talking point as the NBA season draws to a close. Following another celebration on Thursday night, analysts from Inside the NBA, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley, voiced their criticisms of the Memphis Grizzlies star. The particular celebration took place during the first half of Memphis’ home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where Morant mimed throwing a hand grenade, in addition to his well-known “finger gun” antics that have attracted attention from the NBA front office (and others).
While Shaquille O’Neal appeared to enjoy Morant’s celebration, Smith and Barkley had a different take. “He has a history that maybe he should leave the celebrations where people might die alone,” Smith remarked. Barkley also commented on Morant’s now-former head coach, saying, “I know one person’s happy right now; Taylor Jenkins ain’t got to deal with this crap. He’s gonna get another job and he deserves not having to deal with this immature stuff.”
Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley react to Ja Morant’s hand grenade celebration.
“He has a history that maybe he should leave the celebrations where people might die alone.”
“I know one person’s happy right now. Taylor Jenkins ain’t got to deal with this crap.” pic.twitter.com/5XBlU1YNtl
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 11, 2025
As Smith pointed out, Morant has a troubling history; in 2023, he shared multiple videos on social media featuring a gun, leading to several suspensions and widespread criticism, notably from Barkley as well (from Barkley).
