Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant brought excitement to New York City on Tuesday as part of his Ja Morant Nike World Tour. Morant surprised top high school players at the NYvsNY tournament and later made an appearance at a New York Liberty <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/wnba/”>WNBA game, showcasing his popularity both on and off the court.
His visit was highlighted by engaging with fans at a local park, where he energized the crowd and handed out limited edition sneakers, emphasizing his connection to the city’s basketball culture and its passionate supporters.
Exclusive Sneaker Release and NBA Star Interaction at NYvsNY Tournament
During the NYvsNY tournament, Morant debuted the limited release Nike Ja 3 ‘NY vs. NY’ colorway, marking the first drop of his third signature shoe model. The design pays homage to the intense streetball tradition and vibrant local energy that define the tournament.
The night was further elevated when Nike and Morant surprised standout NYvsNY players with invitations to compete alongside future basketball stars in China. These athletes will join the Mission Rise camp and take part in the Rise Hoop Party, broadening their exposure on an international stage.
Nike emphasized that the NYvsNY event is more than just a competition; it serves as a platform for rising talent to perform before top athletes, with Morant’s appearance symbolizing this mission.
Ja Morant’s Collaboration with Sabrina Ionescu Highlights WNBA Game
Following the tournament, Morant attended the WNBA regular season matchup between the Indiana Fever and New York Liberty. There, he connected with Liberty guard and fellow Nike signature athlete Sabrina Ionescu, exchanging signature sneaker pairs as a gesture of mutual respect.
Morant received a signed pair of the Nike Sabrina 3 ‘Blueprint’ colorway, while Ionescu was gifted an autographed pair of the Nike Ja 3 ‘NY vs. NY’. This exchange underlined the camaraderie between NBA and WNBA stars in one of the nation’s premier basketball cities.
Ongoing Impact and What’s Next for the Ja Morant Nike World Tour
The Nike World Tour featuring Ja Morant is far from ending, as fans and sneaker collectors can anticipate further exciting events and exclusive sneaker releases. This ongoing tour not only deepens Morant’s connection to basketball communities but also highlights Nike’s commitment to supporting future generations of athletes.
Coverage by Sports Illustrated’s Kicks On SI remains the go-to source for the latest news on Morant’s tour and other developments from the sports sneaker scene.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Ja Morant delete Instagram?
A. Last week, Morant turned off his Instagram and X accounts. On Tuesday, he explained why he needed a break from social media. He said, “I really don’t like using it. I’m only on there because I have to post for my endorsements.”
Q. Is Ja Morant banned in the NBA?
A. Ja Morant, who led his team with 30 points on Thursday, has faced two suspensions from the NBA. He received an eight-game suspension without pay in March 2023 for displaying a gun in an Instagram Live video.
Q. Is Ja Morant suspended in 2025?
A. A video showing Morant holding a gun appeared on the internet. As a result, the NBA investigated and decided to suspend him for 25 games at the start of the 2023-24 season.