​When Nori sat in the steakhouse booth on Tuesday, he noticed none of Morant’s usual petulance, defiance, or attitude. He observed how Morant spoke and carried himself, noting a seriousness, enthusiasm, and focus. “The way he was talking, the way he looked … the intent he had, you could just tell in his face that he missed basketball,” Nori said. “And he assured that we were going to get the best Ja and that he was going to do all the right things.” The moment, as described, emphasized Morant’s determination and readiness to return to form. This piece originally appeared on HoopsHype, with the line “The way he was talking, the way he looked … the …”