Ja Morant, the dynamic point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, has cemented his status as one of the NBA’s brightest stars. From being unranked in high school to winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award in his first season, Morant’s meteoric rise has captivated fans and analysts alike.

 

During his rookie season in 2019-20, Morant wasted no time making an impact. He showcased his skills and leadership on the court, averaging 17.8 points, 7.1 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. His electrifying plays and clutch performances quickly turned heads, earning him the prestigious Rookie of the Year award.

In the following season, Morant led the Grizzlies to their first playoff appearance in four years. In a thrilling play-in tournament game against the Golden State Warriors, he dropped 35 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists to secure the Grizzlies’ postseason berth. Morant continued to shine in the playoffs, scoring 30 points in his first playoff game and an impressive 47 points in the second game against the Utah Jazz.

 

The 2021-22 season proved to be a breakout year for Morant. He earned his first All-Star selection, starting for the Western Conference team. Throughout the season, he consistently displayed his scoring prowess, recording multiple 40-point games. On February 28, 2024, Morant reached new heights by scoring a career-high 52 points in a dominant performance against the San Antonio Spurs. He showcased his shooting efficiency by going 22-of-30 from the field, including a perfect 4-of-4 from beyond the arc.

 

Despite missing some games due to a knee injury, Morant led the Grizzlies to their first Southwest Division title in franchise history and tied their franchise record with 56 wins. His remarkable improvement and impact on the team did not go unnoticed, as he was named the NBA Most Improved Player.

The 2022-23 season brought more achievements for Morant. He signed a five-year contract extension with the Grizzlies, solidifying his commitment to the team. Morant continued to fill the stat sheet, recording several triple-doubles and breaking records previously held by franchise legends like Marc Gasol. His scoring ability was on full display, including a 49-point outing in a win against the Houston Rockets.

 

In the playoffs, Morant showcased his ability to perform under pressure. He delivered a memorable 45-point performance in Game 2 of the second round against the Golden State Warriors, joining the ranks of Kobe Bryant and LeBron James as the only players in NBA playoff history to have multiple 45-point games before turning 23 years old.

 

The 2023-24 season started with a suspension for Morant, but he made a triumphant return on December 19, 2023, scoring 34 points and hitting a game-winning shot against the New Orleans Pelicans. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to a right shoulder injury that required surgery.

Despite the injury setback, Morant’s impact on the court and his rapid rise from being unranked to becoming an NBA superstar have solidified his place among the league’s elite players. As he continues to develop and refine his skills, fans and basketball enthusiasts eagerly await the next chapter of Ja Morant’s remarkable career.