Udonis Haslem says he would've 'loved' to mentor Ja Morant - "You can be hood, but you can't be street"

Ja Morant has found himself receiving plenty of public scrutiny from fans and media alike this season. The Memphis Grizzlies star was recently suspended eight games for his off-the-court actions, including appearing on Instagram live holding a firearm in a night club. Miami Heat veteran big man Udonis Haslem, who at 42 years old is the oldest player in the league, recently voiced his opinion on the situation surrounding the two-time All-Star.

During a recent appearance on The Pivot podcast, the three-time NBA champion stated:

"I would've loved to have a relationship with Ja. I would've loved it. I speak to his father, too."

Asked what advice he would give Morant, Haslem shared:

"I understand where you come from. I understand you, your surroundings. I understand the pressure you might feel to keep it real, but keeping it real goes wrong so I'm going to show you how to move out here and still enjoy your life and still maintain your independence of who you are and what you are, but the right way, 'cause there is a right way.

"I haven't changed. I've altered things. I've altered my lifestyle. I've moved things around. I've shifted it a little bit, but I ain't change and I'm very happy with who I am today so you can still live that life and still be who you are. You can't be street now. You can be hood, but you can't be street. There's a difference. Street, they thugging 24/7, they ain't cutting it off. Hood, you can tap in every now and then"

Check out Udonis Haslem's comments on Ja Morant below:

Ja Morant shared that he is seeking help in the form of counseling. While many have questioned how Udonis Haslem has been able to last 20 years with the Miami Heat, despite appearing in no more than 16 games since 2015-2016, his veteran voice is one that younger players can relate to. The veteran big man is set to retire following the 2022-2023 season.

How has Ja Morant fared this season?

Ja Morant has averaged 26.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 8.1 apg, 1.1 spg and 0.3 bpg while shooting 46.7% from the field, 31.2% from three-point range and 74.7% from the free-throw line. The Memphis Grizzlies star appeared destined for his second consecutive All-NBA team prior to his suspension.

While several stars have missed games, Morant's suspension wasn't his only absence as he has played in just 56 games. With his rookie extension set to kick in next season, the two-time All-Star may have cost himself nearly $40 million with his suspension.

If he appears on an All-NBA Team this season, his five-year extension will be worth $231.4 million, however, if he doesn't, it will be worth $192.2 million. With Morant having missed close to 20 games, it will be interesting to see if voters decline to vote for him due to his off-the-court transgressions.