The basketball world stunned, the NBA has reportedly opened an official investigation into Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant following his most recent midgame celebrationāone that involved an impressively detailed, fully functional miniature Death Star. The stunt, which culminated in Morant using the model to obliterate a scale version of the planet Alderaan, has sparked confusion, awe, and outrage among fans and analysts alike.
The incident unfolded during a timeout, where instead of the usual high-fives or flexes, Morant unveiled the iconic space weapon from Star Wars and theatrically initiated its planet-destroying beam. The act immediately drew criticism, especially given Morantās controversial history of past celebratory antics.
ESPNās Stephen A. Smith addressed the situation on First Take, expressing mixed emotions. āLook, considering Jaās track record, you have to wonder about the wisdom of simulating cosmic warfare in front of children,ā he said. āHeās already facing scrutiny from every direction, and now heās out here reenacting galactic annihilation?ā Despite his concerns, Smith admitted being partially impressed. āAs a lifelong Star Wars fan, I canāt denyāthere was a part of me that was in awe. But then I remembered how I once dreamed of romancing Princess Leia, and that brought me right back to Earth.ā
Following the game, reporters asked Morant if he regretted the stunt. With no hesitation, he replied, āThey already see me as the villain. Whether Iām miming explosives, lighting imaginary flamethrowers, or deploying space weapons, Iām always the bad guy. So why not lean in and embrace my inner Sith?ā
Fans remain dividedāsome calling it performance art, others demanding suspensionābut one thingās for sure: the NBA has never seen anything quite like this.