LOS ANGELES – The Memphis Grizzlies are going to be without point guard Ja Morant for an undetermined amount of time after he was seen showing a gun at a nightclub in Denver early Saturday morning.

Morant has since apologized for the video, which was streamed on Instagram Live. 

Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins delivered a supportive, but firm, message about Morant prior to the Grizzlies’ loss to the Clippers on Sunday night.

He said there is no timetable for return of Morant, who will not be with the team when it plays the Lakers in Los Angeles on Tuesday (9 p.m., TNT, 92.9 FM).

“He is definitely embracing the mistakes that he has made, but only time will tell,” Jenkins said. “We are going to hold him accountable to make those changes.”

After the game, several of Morant’s teammates were also asked about their reaction to the video. They all delivered a similar response. 

“At the end of the day, that’s my brother,” Jackson said. “I can call him and say, ‘Aye, bro’.’ Then we keep that (conversation) moving.”

Jackson and Morant have been tagged as one of the NBA’s brightest up and coming duos. Last month, Jackson was selected as a vice president of the National Basketball Players Association. 

“I’m happy for whatever (Morant) decides to do,” Jackson added. “I trust his judgement, and that he is doing what is best for him. He’s going to come back and take over the league again.”

Jackson does not feel the need to offer guidance or step into Morant’s personal matters. 

“He’s got it,” Jackson said. “I trust his judgement all the time. When he comes back, he’s going to be in the same groove, so it really doesn’t end up mattering.”

Tyus Jones will fill in for Morant as a starter while he is seeking help. 

“You just want the best for him,” Jones said.

“We are wrapping our arms around him and showing full support,” guard Desmond Bane added.

This is not the way Jones imagined taking over the starting job, but he feels prepared for the opportunity. 

“I’m always ready for it,” Jones said.

“I’ve said it before, that I view myself as a starter. You always prepare yourself, because you never know what is going to happen. I’m most definitely ready for the opportunity. I’m just going to try to do my job, play my role and help us get wins.”

Bane will also play more point guard in Morant’s absence. The Grizzlies alternated between Bane and Jones for the full game against the Clippers.

“I feel like (playing point guard) has really been my development,” Bane said. “I came in a spot-up shooter and then last year I played point guard a little bit more, and now this year a little bit more. 

“I continue to put in the work, I’m watching film and I have great guys in the backcourt to learn from. So I feel confident I can play that position, for sure.”

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