It’s reasonable to assume that you, the reader, don’t condone the incidents that led to Ja Morant’s most recent 25-game suspension. Multiple instances of carelessly brandishing a firearm in public rightfully deserve to be met with criticism and consequences. But it’s also fair to treat his return with tempered enthusiasm, especially as multiple players are somehow allowed to suit up with far more egregious rap sheets (see: Miles Bridges, Josh Giddey). Ja is a 24-year-old who by all accounts got caught up with the wrong people and on the wrong path, and now has an opportunity to point back in the right direction. Hopefully the time spent away was used to reflect, mature, and come back with a focus rooted squarely on basketball, and we get to look back at this as a turning point in a Hall of Fame career. As we anticipate new moments Ja will give us on the court, let’s revisit some of his past highlights.
Ascension of St. John, by Giotto de Bondone, 1320
Saint Francis Receiving the Stigmata, by Mariotto di Nardo, 1408
The Fall of the Rebel Angels, by Peter Paul Rubens, 1620, photo by Joe Murphy
Standing Ashura with Four Arms, 925-950 Cambodia, photo via Dan Devine
Pietà with Saint Francis and Saint Mary Magdalene, by Annibale Carraci, 1602-1607