'We're all praying for Ja': What Penny Hardaway said about Ja Morant's struggles

Memphis basketball coach Penny Hardaway voiced his support for Grizzlies star Ja Morant on Tuesday.

Police in Glendale, Colorado, are investigating Morant after he posted a video last week on Instagram Live in which he appears to be holding a handgun. The NBA is also conducting its own investigation into Morant's actions, which occurred after the Grizzlies' loss to the Denver Nuggets on Friday.

The Grizzlies announced that Morant would be away from the team through at least Tuesday's game at the Los Angeles Lakers. Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said recently there's no definitive timetable for Morant to return.

"We're all praying for Ja. I'm here for Ja," said Hardaway, who like Morant has a Nike endorsement deal. "I'm really close to the family. Not as close to Ja, but we're just praying for him, man. He's human. He's young. We just gotta continue to pray for him and support him."

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Hardaway, who spent 14 seasons in the NBA and made four All-Star Game appearances, said he understands the difficulties that can come along with the fame and fortune of being on such a big stage.

"I think people understand how hard it is for young guys in the NBA with social media and so much stuff going on," he said. "It's tough. You need a great support system. He's gonna have a great support system now, because everybody's rallying around him. But it is tough, you know, you're 21, 22, 23 years old making millions of dollars. You know, social media is so crazy now. It's difficult."

Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @munzly.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Ja Morant: Penny Hardaway voices support for Grizzlies star