Ja Morant, the dynamic point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, has emerged as one of the brightest stars in the NBA. His remarkable rise from an unranked high school player to winning the prestigious NBA Rookie of the Year award in his debut season has captivated fans and experts alike.

 

During his rookie campaign in the 2019-20 season, Morant wasted no time making his mark. With exceptional skills and leadership on display, he averaged an impressive 17.8 points, 7.1 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. His breathtaking plays and clutch performances quickly caught attention and earned him the coveted Rookie of the Year title.

 

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 delivered an extraordinary performance, scoring 35 points, along with 6 rebounds and 6 assists, securing the Grizzlies’ spot in the postseason. Morant continued to shine in the playoffs, recording 30 points in his playoff debut and an astonishing 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 well-deserved first All-Star selection and started for the Western Conference team. Throughout the season, he consistently showcased his scoring prowess, registering multiple 40-point games. On February 28, 2024, Morant reached new heights with a career-high 52-point explosion in a dominant performance against the San Antonio Spurs. Displaying remarkable shooting efficiency, he went 22-of-30 from the field, including a perfect 4-of-4 from beyond the arc.

 

Despite facing a knee injury that caused him to miss some games, Morant led the Grizzlies to their first-ever Southwest Division title and tied the franchise record with 56 wins. His tremendous improvement and impact on the team did not go unnoticed, as he rightfully received the NBA Most Improved Player award. In the 2022-23 season, Morant further solidified his commitment to the Grizzlies by signing a five-year contract extension. He continued to fill the stat sheet, recording several triple-doubles and surpassing records previously held by franchise legends like Marc Gasol. His scoring prowess was evident, including a stellar 49-point performance in a victory against the Houston Rockets.

 

In the playoffs, Morant demonstrated his ability to thrive under pressure. He delivered an unforgettable 45-point display in Game 2 of the second round against the Golden State Warriors, joining the esteemed company of Kobe Bryant and LeBron James as the only players in NBA playoff history to achieve multiple 45-point games before turning 23 years old.