MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MAY 11: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts from the bench against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter in Game Five of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals at FedExForum on May 11, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
A heartwarming and hilarious moment was captured on video after NBA star Ja Morant left a $500 tip to an ecstatic waitress, who went on to jokingly quiz the Grizzlies’ point guard on the nature of his fame before running off in disbelief upon learning his name.
The 22-year-old Morant was being filmed as part of a docu-series on YouTube by his videographer “Shot By Nie” at the time of the viral exchange. Morant and his friends were at lunch in a Florida restaurant when the rising NBA star tipped the waitress $500.
“Who are you?” she jokingly asked after receiving the generous tip.
“I’m Black Jesus,” he deadpans back. “Naw you some kind of professional, what do you play, football? Basketball?” she asks.
Morant responded in the affirmative for the latter, before the befuddled waitress asks him who he plays for, and that’s when she starts putting together who is sitting in front of her.
When he tells her he plays for the Memphis Grizzlies, her “new favorite team” a member of his team jokes, her eyes open wide as her mouth begins to drop as it dawns on her who he is.
“That’s the team that boy, Ja, plays for. That’s him?” she exclaims as she points at Morant. “That’s him! You that boy!” she says in disbelief before running off in excitement to tell her co-workers.
Meanwhile, Morant’s Grizzlies’ teammate Jaren Jackson Jr. took to Twitter afterwards to relish the fact that “Black Jesus” was trending on social media.
The 22-year-old Morant, who was drafted our of Murray State as the No. 2 overall pick for Memphis in the 2019 NBA draft, has become one of the league’s most touted prospects despite not playing for any of the big-name basketball schools.
He was named the 2020 NBA Rookie of the Year and made his first All-Star Game this last season.
