Richard Jefferson is shedding light on what it can be like for NBA players adjusting to life in Memphis, highlighting cultural differences and certain neighborhoods that carry a “different energy."
Speaking on his podcast, the former NBA forward explained that while every player has their own preferences, location and lifestyle can play a big role in how comfortable they feel in a new city, especially in places with unique cultural dynamics like the Grizzlies.
“Some people like to hang out in certain areas with certain groups of people. But there’s a culture shock if you grew up around predominantly black people, and then you’re living in a white, smoothie yogurt land area," said Jefferson on the Road Trippin' podcast. "But if you are in these areas, there are certain cities where these areas can be a little bit more dangerous. Memphis is one of those areas where if you’re hanging out in certain spots, certain clubs, certain bars, there’s a little bit of a different energy there.”
Not every NBA city is built the same. In fact, every NBA market has its own feel, personality, and culture that sets it apart from the rest. For NBA athletes, the ideal location to play would be somewhere that's safe, busy, but also free of any off-court distractions that hinder their development.
In the case of Memphis, however, it has an especially violent reputation. The city is known for having a high crime rate, with gang activity and plenty of ways to get yourself into trouble. For those who are prepared to handle the culture shock, like former Grizzlies big man Zach Randolph was back in the day, it can be a rewarding experience. On the flip side, it can be highly damaging to one's NBA career.
Just ask Ja Morant, whose entire NBA tenure has been defined by controversy. Being in Memphis since the very beginning, his rise to stardom did not come without some bumps and bruises. Right as he was making a name for himself in the NBA, his off-court lifestyle got exposed, and his history of making threats and causing trouble was finally made public.
The worst of it came when he flashed his firearm on Instagram Live, leading to a massive suspension that derailed his career. Things haven't been the same for the Grizzlies since.
Last season, without Ja Morant, the franchise was completely irrelevant in the West, and now they are facing major uncertainty about the future.
For Morant, you could argue that the city of Memphis has been detrimental to his career. Had he played somewhere else, in a city that's much less dangerous, his career might have turned out differently.
Ultimately, Jefferson’s comments underline a reality many fans overlook: environment matters. The culture, neighborhoods, and lifestyle options in a city can shape a player’s experience just as much as the on-court product. In a place like Memphis, that “different energy” can either push players to focus and thrive or pull them into distractions that derail their careers. For some, it’s the perfect fit. For others, it’s a challenge they never fully overcome.
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