Photo: Grizzlies Star Ja Morant’s 2nd Signature Shoe ‘Nike Ja 2’ Unveiled

Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerFeatured Columnist IVJuly 16, 2024

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Photos of the second edition for Ja Morant’s signature Nike sneaker were shared online Tuesday.

While the purple colorway is new, the general design matches up with what has previously leaked about the dedicated kicks for the Memphis Grizzlies star. Sneaker News reported the Ja 2 “Stargazer” could be headed for an October release date.

B/R Kicks @brkicksFIRST LOOK at the Nike Ja 2, @JaMorant’s second signature sneaker with the brand.

These are said to be releasing in October for a retail of $120👀

(via prm.cotd/IG) pic.twitter.com/7TFLvX2Ejd

The NBA suspended Morant for eight games in March 2023 after a video posted to social media showed him holding a firearm in a Denver-area nightclub. The league subsequently levied a 25-game ban that June after a video showing him wielding a firearm in a car was posted to IG Live.

Nike maintained its relationship with the two-time All-Star. Following his second infraction, the company said it “will continue to support him on and off the court.”

Morant is coming off a 2023-24 season in which he was limited to just nine games. His suspension went into effect at the start of the year. Then less than a month into his campaign, he suffered a shoulder injury that required season-ending surgery.

When healthy, Morant is one of the most dynamic players in the NBA. He’s averaging 22.5 points and 7.4 assists through five years, and he helped Memphis notch back-to-back 50-win seasons from 2020-2022.

Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins confirmed the 24-year-old is cleared for full workouts, putting him on track to return for opening night. His presence will make the team a playoff contender in the loaded Western Conference once again.