Ja Morant: Matt Barnes urges NBA players ‘not to snitch and be careful with cameras’

Former NBA player Matt Barnes has offered some rather simplistic advice to both Ja Morant and the broader player cohort.

talking to TMZBarnes, who has had his fair share of controversial incidents, implored players to be aware of their surroundings and not give themselves away.

“Don’t give yourself away and watch out for the cameras,” Barnes said. ‘The moment you leave your house, you are being recorded these days. So stay informed and be aware of your surroundings.

Morant spoke publicly for the first time since he was seen brandishing a gun at a Denver-area strip club this week, acknowledging that he made a “big mistake.”

The former No. 2 overall pick underwent counseling during his absence from the NBA. Morant last played for the Memphis Grizzlies on March 3, and the league suspended him Wednesday for eight games without pay, with the five he already missed counted in the suspension.

Morant appeared to be holding a gun in an Instagram Live video after a loss to the Nuggets

It’s not immediately clear when Morant will return to the court.

“I love Ja,” Barnes continued. I love what he brings to the table. He got a little ahead of himself, that’s what happens when you’re young and the world (is) in the palm of your hand.’

‘I just want to send her love. Let him know that we love him. We miss him and we need him back.

While Morant is eligible to play on Monday, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins has already indicated that he is not expected to play in that game, according to reports.

Grizzlies head coach Jenkins said on March 13 that “there’s a lot of internal dialogue and obviously there’s still things going on at the league level that we’re in communication with.”

“Ja is fully invested in this process and ready for whatever comes next.”

The former No. 2 pick is eligible to return from an NBA-imposed suspension beginning Monday.