Ja Morant in another dimension | NBA

Historically little highlighted, because present in a small market (1.5 billion dollars in valuation, the lowest in the NBA), the Grizzlies have started to be talked about more and more in recent months. And Ja Morant, their new nugget, has a lot to do with it.

After successfully qualifying his franchise in the playoffs for the first time since 2017, last spring, the Memphis point guard reached a new milestone in 2021/22, individually speaking. Already very good in the first round against the Jazz (30.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists on average), despite this rather dry elimination in five rounds, he has indeed started this new season with a bang.

As evidenced by Ja Morant’s 25.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.6 interceptions per game, 49% on shots, 38% on 3-points and 78% on free throws. Assists excepted, these are simply the best averages of his career, which began in the fall of 2019.

 » He’s obviously taken to the next level », Book on this subject his coach, Taylor Jenkins, for USA Today.  » He was extremely motivated during the offseason, to understand where he could improve. Towards the end of last season we started to see him reach another level. I have always said that he is someone who learns through experience, by watching videos, and who can adapt quite quickly, understanding where he can be dangerous, as a scorer but also as a as a playmaker. « 

If, collectively, the Grizzlies are just in balance (seven wins and seven losses) and still struggle to aim higher than 8th place in the West, in addition to going through a complicated period for ten days (two victories in six games), Ja Morant is on his side flawless.

 » Experience is the # 1 factor “, He explains, on his big start to the season.  » Once I see how the defense behaves towards me, I know how to attack, where I can get my shots, and where my teammates can get theirs. It’s set out in our game plan and I’m putting it into action on the floor. Having a few years of experience behind me has allowed me to be better this season and to start strong. « 

Heading to the All-Star Game this winter?

On course for his first All-Star Game selection, next February in Cleveland, the explosive and spectacular Ja Morant has impressed many observers for a month, thanks to his progress in shooting, in decision-making or in the leadership.

Already indispensable in Memphis, the 2020 Rookie of the Year is gradually establishing himself as one of the best pointers in the league and he leaves no one indifferent in Tennessee.

 » He watches a lot of videos and he can manipulate the defenses more « , Confides for example Jaren Jackson Jr. » He finds us all the time, he distributes the ball very well. We are comfortable playing with him. It gives us confidence and we have a lot of fun with him. « 

Considered one of the franchises of the future, the Grizzlies still have a lot of work to do before settling among the top names in their conference. But with a talent like Ja Morant, surrounded by an interesting base of young people, their future can only be bright.

As radiant, finally, as the smile of the 2nd choice of the 2019 Draft as soon as he enters a field.

 » I just love the game “, He admits to finish, referring to his state of mind on the floor.  » Growing up, my parents always said to me: ‘When you’re on the pitch, you just have to have fun, you can’t be frustrated’. And that’s how I attack every game. I enjoy. I have fun. I am myself. «