Grizzlies' Taj Gibson Defends Ja Morant with Derrick Rose Comparison

Gibson sees similarities between Morant and the former Bulls star in terms of athleticism and drive to be great.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Memphis Grizzlies veteran Taj Gibson has come to the defense of his teammate Ja Morant, comparing the 26-year-old point guard to Chicago Bulls legend Derrick Rose in terms of athleticism and desire to be great. However, Gibson acknowledged that Morant's off-court controversies, including gun-related incidents, have hurt his standing and trade value.

Why it matters

Morant was once viewed as a rising star in the NBA, but a series of controversies and injuries have led to a decline in his reputation and trade interest from other teams. Gibson's public defense of Morant could be an attempt to rehabilitate the young player's image and convince the Grizzlies to keep him on the roster.

The details

In an appearance on the "All the Smoke" podcast, Gibson praised Morant's leadership, toughness, and ability to command his team. He drew comparisons between Morant and the prime version of Derrick Rose, another athletic point guard known for his elite mentality. However, Gibson acknowledged that Morant's off-court issues, including gun-related incidents, have hurt his standing and the Grizzlies' willingness to keep him.

  • In March 2023, Morant appeared on Instagram Live while at a Denver-area nightclub and briefly displayed a handgun on camera.
  • On May 14, 2023, another video surfaced showing Morant again holding a firearm during an Instagram Live broadcast inside a vehicle.
  • Commissioner Adam Silver ultimately imposed a 25-game suspension on Morant to begin the 2023–24 season.

The players

Taj Gibson

A veteran NBA player who currently plays for the Memphis Grizzlies and has publicly defended his teammate Ja Morant.

Ja Morant

A 26-year-old point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies who was once viewed as a rising star in the NBA, but has faced a series of controversies and injuries that have hurt his reputation and trade value.

Derrick Rose

A former NBA MVP and Chicago Bulls legend known for his elite athleticism and mentality, whom Gibson compared Morant to.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, I love everything about him. People don't understand, when you play against him and you're really on the court you see how he commands his team, how they embrace each other, how they love to play hard. Being a point guard, you've got to be a leader. Being a point guard you've got to play tough. And your teammates are fueled off that.”

— Taj Gibson, Memphis Grizzlies Player (All the Smoke Podcast)

“The main thing I see between him and Derrick is the athleticism, but also the willingness to try to be great. Some players they talk about being great, and doing what they got to do, but that young man is special.”

— Taj Gibson, Memphis Grizzlies Player (All the Smoke Podcast)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Ja Morant out on bail for the start of the 2023-24 NBA season.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the challenges young NBA stars can face when off-court controversies overshadow their on-court talent and potential. Morant's future with the Grizzlies remains uncertain, as the team must weigh his value against the risks associated with his behavior.