Tensions Rise in Memphis: Ja Morant, Vince Williams Jr. Clash During Practice
The Memphis Grizzlies are no strangers to adversity this season, but the latest flare-up between star guard Ja Morant and teammate Vince Williams Jr. adds another layer to an already turbulent year.
During a recent practice in Berlin ahead of the Grizzlies’ matchup with the Orlando Magic, Morant and Williams got into a heated exchange that quickly turned heads. While the exact words exchanged remain unclear, the confrontation was intense enough to draw intervention attempts from those nearby-though neither player seemed eager to back down.
This isn’t the kind of moment Memphis needed right now, especially with the team trying to find rhythm in a season riddled with injuries, lineup shuffling, and off-court distractions. For Morant, the incident is the latest in a series of challenges that have cast a shadow over his undeniable talent.
The 26-year-old guard has only appeared in 18 games this season, battling through injuries that have limited both his availability and his production. He’s averaging 19.0 points per game-his lowest mark since his rookie campaign-along with 3.2 rebounds, 7.6 assists, and 1.0 steals. The numbers are still solid, but they’re not what we’ve come to expect from a player who once looked like the future face of the franchise.
Meanwhile, Williams, 25, has been carving out a role in Morant’s absence. Alongside Cam Spencer, GG Jackson, and Javon Small, he’s helped keep the backcourt afloat, averaging 7.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in just under 22 minutes per game off the bench. He’s not lighting up the scoreboard, but he’s been steady-and in a season like this, steady matters.
What Ja Morant Really Said To Vince Williams In Practice👀:
— LegendZ (@legendz_prod) January 15, 2026
Ja: “I don’t f*ck with y’all, I’m with whatever”
Vince: “Let’s go to the back”
Ja: “Why? I’m right here”
Vince: “Let’s go to the back”
Ja: “You’ve been here for 5 minutes! You’re not like that” pic.twitter.com/aBwxGHGb3C
Earlier in the year, Morant was suspended for one game after publicly calling out the coaching staff, a move that raised eyebrows around the league and within the organization. That moment, combined with his recent injury history and the emergence of players like Jaylen Wells, Cedrick Coward, and Spencer, has put Morant in an unfamiliar position: expendable.
It’s a strange reality for a player who not long ago was the centerpiece of Memphis’ rebuild. But with internal frustrations reportedly mounting and trade rumors swirling, Morant’s future with the Grizzlies feels increasingly uncertain.
The problem? Off-court baggage can be a deal-breaker in today’s NBA. Teams may be hesitant to take a chance on a player whose leadership and locker room presence are under scrutiny, even if the talent is undeniable.
For now, Morant remains in Memphis-still capable of brilliance on the court, but stuck in a holding pattern off it. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, are left to navigate the tension and hope that cooler heads prevail as they try to salvage what’s left of their season.