However, according to NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith, players don’t feel safe when they travel to Memphis, which could prevent the team from reaching its full potential.

Ja Morant is not enjoying the recent discourse about the city of Memphis. Shortly after Stephen A. Smith said NBA players don't want to live in Memphis because it's not "the safest environment," Morant sent a post that appears to criticize ESPN for talking about the Grizzlies and their city instead of the ongoing NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder.