The True Age Of Ja Morant's Dad, Tee Morant: 7 Surprising Facts About The NBA's Most Talked-About Courtside Father

As of today, December 13, 2025, Ja Morant's father, Demetrius "Tee" Morant, is 47 years old. Born on November 15, 1978, Tee Morant has transcended the role of a supportive sports parent to become a celebrity in his own right, known for his passionate courtside presence at Memphis Grizzlies games and his outspoken defense of his son, NBA superstar Ja Morant. His relatively young age for a father of an NBA star, coupled with his high-energy demeanor, often puts him right in the middle of the league's most viral moments and intense media scrutiny, making him one of the most recognizable figures outside of the players themselves. The intense focus on Tee Morant’s age, career, and personal life stems from his deep influence on Ja Morant’s journey—a story that began with a father sacrificing his own professional dreams to train his son in their backyard. This article dives deep into the facts and recent updates surrounding Tee Morant, from his background as a former player to the controversies that have defined his courtside reputation in the 2024–2025 NBA season.

Tee Morant: Complete Biographical Profile & Current Age

The man known simply as "Tee" is far more than just "Ja Morant's dad." He is a former college athlete and an entrepreneur whose life story is intrinsically linked to the development of an NBA All-Star. Understanding his age and background provides crucial context for his intense, yet supportive, parenting style.

• Full Name: Demetrius Jamel “Tee” Morant
• Date of Birth: November 15, 1978
• Current Age (Dec 2025): 47 years old
• Place of Birth: Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
• Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
• Wife: Jamie Morant (former college softball player)
• Children: Temetrius Jamel "Ja" Morant (NBA Player) and Teniya Morant (Daughter)
• High School: Hillcrest High School, Dalzell, South Carolina
• Occupation: Entrepreneur, Former Basketball Player, Social Media Personality
• Net Worth: Estimated at $5 million (as of 2025)

Tee Morant's dedication to his son began early. He trained Ja in their backyard, using a rigorous program he developed himself. He made a significant life choice by giving up his own opportunity to play professional basketball overseas when his wife, Jamie Morant, became pregnant with Ja. This sacrifice laid the foundation for the close, intense relationship the two share today.

The Courtside Persona: Controversies and Ejections in 2024–2025

Tee Morant’s courtside presence is legendary—and often controversial. He is known for sitting near the action, engaging with players, and occasionally confronting referees. This high-profile visibility led to several viral moments and controversies, particularly during the 2024 and 2025 NBA seasons.

The February 2025 Ejection Incident

One of the most talked-about events occurred in early 2025 when Tee Morant was reportedly ejected from his courtside seat during a Memphis Grizzlies game. The ejection was allegedly for berating the referees, an action that drew significant media attention and commentary about the role of a player’s family member at an NBA game. While he is a fervent supporter, his actions occasionally cross the line, forcing the NBA to address the boundaries of courtside behavior.

The Shannon Sharpe Altercation and Kevin Durant Troll

Tee Morant has a history of engaging with other high-profile figures from the sidelines. One notable confrontation involved NFL Hall of Famer and sports analyst Shannon Sharpe. The heated exchange, which also involved Ja Morant, became a major news story, highlighting the intensity that Tee brings to the arena. More recently, the courtside drama continued when NBA superstar Kevin Durant was seen trolling Tee Morant during a game. Durant's comments, which referenced Ja Morant's struggles, were a clear example of how Tee Morant has become a focal point for opposing teams and media figures alike. Ja Morant, however, has consistently defended his father, telling critics to "Keep Livin the Dream" and dismissing allegations that his father was the "driving force" behind his own controversies.

From Ray Allen's Teammate to NBA Dad: Tee Morant's Basketball Roots

Tee Morant’s deep understanding of the game is not just a passing interest; it is rooted in his own experience as a competitive player. This foundational knowledge is what allowed him to effectively train his son from a young age.

Playing Alongside a Future Hall of Famer

A little-known fact about Tee Morant’s past is his connection to NBA legend Ray Allen. Tee Morant played high school basketball at Hillcrest High School in South Carolina alongside Allen, a future 10-time All-Star and Hall of Famer. This experience gave him a first-hand look at the discipline and dedication required to reach the highest level of basketball, knowledge he later imparted to Ja.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit and Net Worth

After his own playing career stalled following his college years, Tee Morant transitioned into entrepreneurship. While details about his specific businesses are not always public, his dedication to building a life outside of basketball for his family has been successful. His estimated net worth of $5 million is a testament to his business acumen and his role in managing the Morant family's growing brand and finances. His current occupation is often listed as an entrepreneur and a social media personality, utilizing his courtside fame to build his own brand.

His Candid Reaction to Ja Morant's Suspension

Perhaps the most telling moments of Tee Morant’s character came during the period of Ja Morant’s 25-game suspension for off-court conduct. In a move that surprised many critics, Tee Morant did not immediately defend his son’s actions, but instead held him accountable. "My son didn't get in trouble for people around him—he got in trouble for his decisions," Tee Morant stated publicly, emphasizing the importance of accountability. He used the moment to share a powerful lesson, advising young people to "always be mindful of every decision y'all make." However, he also expressed frustration with how the league and media handled the situation, suggesting that the NBA was "demonizing" his son. When Ja Morant finally returned to the court, Tee Morant's emotional reaction was palpable. He expressed elation at his son's return, stating, "I was just so elated for him to be back on the court and prove what he is here for... God touched my child for a reason. By the way, he's back!" This dual perspective—holding his son accountable while fiercely defending him against external criticism—perfectly encapsulates the complex role Tee Morant plays in Ja Morant’s life and in the NBA ecosystem. At 47 years old, Tee Morant remains the ultimate courtside patriarch, a figure of both unwavering support and unavoidable controversy.