Despite being a team sport, it’s widely acknowledged that the NBA is driven by its star players. Especially in the current era, where team rosters can change drastically from season to season, many young basketball fans find themselves following individual players rather than specific teams throughout their careers. The obvious fan favorites include LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant, but recently, new faces like Luka Dončić, Trae Young, and particularly Ja Morant have emerged as exciting talents.

Imagining an NBA without LeBron James is difficult. It’s a scenario that likely causes commissioner Adam Silver some anxiety. While not necessarily the definitive measure of an athlete’s popularity, LeBron’s Instagram following (@kingjames) of 114 million surpasses the official NBA account’s 65.2 million followers.

Additionally, LeBron’s follower count exceeds that of the next 10 most followed NBA players combined. While the NBA has seen significant stars before, generational superstars with such widespread reach are rare.

LeBron James, at 37 years old, is currently leading the league in scoring in his 19th season, making it seem premature to discuss a successor. Nonetheless, the NBA would be wise to invest in Ja Morant as a future star. Although the league is becoming more international, with players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, and Luka Dončić dominating, Morant appears to be the full package when it comes to marketability.

The NBA has always had a fondness for guards with remarkable athleticism. In just three years of his professional career, Ja Morant has already drawn comparisons to legends like Allen Iverson, Dwyane Wade, and Russell Westbrook. However, the most accurate comparison might be with Derrick Rose.

Morant is now the same age Rose was when he became the youngest MVP in NBA history. Although it’s difficult to refer to this as “prime D-Rose” due to the injuries that hindered his full potential, it was statistically Rose’s best season. Given the similarities in their playing styles, particularly the crossovers and acrobatic finishes, it’s intriguing to compare the numbers between these two explosive point guards.

Derrick Rose (2011)

Points Per Game: 25.0Rebounds Per Game: 4.1Assists Per Game: 7.7Steals Per Game: 1.0FG%: 44.53P%: 33.2FT%: 85.8

Ja Morant (2022)

Points Per Game: 27.6Rebounds Per Game: 5.9Assists Per Game: 6.6Steals Per Game: 1.2FG%: 49.83P%: 34.4FT%: 75.4

Despite being the second-youngest team in the NBA with an average age of 24.2, the Memphis Grizzlies currently boast the second-best record in the league at 46-22. This season, Ja Morant was their sole All-Star.

Watching Morant play is incredibly exciting. At one point this season, he led the league in points scored in the paint per game, averaging 14.7. Remarkably, only 15 players in NBA history have averaged that many points at the rim, and all were significantly larger than the 6’3″ Morant. Constantly underestimated, he rose from being unranked in high school to overshadowed by Zion Williamson in the 2019 NBA Draft, to becoming an All-Star starter in just his third season. Betting on Ja Morant has paid off.

Morant has developed his own iconic style and vibrant personality. He often nails incredible shots and then performs a celebratory “griddy” dance in his Kobes. Shaquille O’Neal has already compared him to Kobe Bryant, which is high praise coming from the Diesel.

“You should’ve seen his little cute face when I said, ‘Yo man, you’re the best player in the league.’ He was like, ‘huh?’ and I’m not playing with you bro, you’re the best–for real. I promise you’re the best,” Shaq said of Morant.

“Ja is good, Penny was like that, Kobe was like that. This kid, it will definitely be his league in a few years.”

With an electrifying playing style, a big smile, and a lot of charisma, Morant evokes memories of legends like LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Kobe Bryant. Mark my words, Ja Morant will join their ranks.