Who Is Ja Morant?
Temetrius Jamel “Ja” Morant (born August 10, 1999) is an American professional basketball player who plays point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. Drafted second overall in 2019, Morant gained national attention for his explosive athleticism, acrobatic finishes, and court vision. He is widely considered one of the most dynamic young guards of his generation.
Murray State and College Stardom
Morant played two seasons at Murray State (2017–2019), where he became one of the most electrifying players in college basketball. Over 65 games, he averaged 18.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 8.2 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. In his sophomore season, he led the NCAA with 10.0 assists per game and became the first Division I player to average 20+ points and 10+ assists in a single season since assists became an official stat. He was named OVC Player of the Year and earned consensus All-American honors.
NBA Debut and Rise to Stardom
Selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Morant won NBA Rookie of the Year in 2020, averaging 17.8 points and 7.3 assists per game. He quickly became the face of the Memphis Grizzlies and helped transform the team into a playoff contender.
In the 2021–22 season, Morant averaged 27.4 points per game and was named Most Improved Player, selected to the All-NBA Second Team, and made his first NBA All-Star Game appearance. He repeated as an All-Star in 2023, solidifying his reputation as a high-impact player.
Career Highlights and Playing Style
Across his first five seasons, Morant established himself as one of the NBA’s most athletic and fearless guards. As of the end of the 2023–24 season, his career averages stood at approximately 22.5 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game.
He is known for his quick first step, aggressive drives, highlight dunks, and elite transition playmaking. Though not a high-volume three-point shooter, his mid-range and finishing ability make him a consistent scoring threat.
2023–24 Season: Suspension, Comeback, and Injury
The 2023–24 season was marked by adversity. Morant served a 25-game suspension at the start of the season due to conduct issues related to a second social media incident involving a firearm.
He returned to action in December 2023, delivering an emotional and high-impact comeback with 34 points, including a buzzer-beating game-winner against the New Orleans Pelicans. His return energized the team and fanbase, and he averaged over 25 points and 8 assists in his limited appearances.
Unfortunately, his season was cut short by a right shoulder injury in January 2024, which required surgery. Morant played only 9 games in 2023–24 and was therefore ineligible for postseason awards, which now require a minimum of 65 games played.
All-Star Selections and Milestones
- NBA All-Star: 2022, 2023
- NBA Rookie of the Year: 2020
- NBA Most Improved Player: 2022
- All-NBA Second Team: 2022
- First Grizzlies player with a postseason triple-double
- Career-high 52-point game (2022)
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| College Stats | 18.7 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 8.2 APG, 1.3 SPG |
| Draft Year | 2019 (2nd overall) |
| NBA Debut Season | 2019–20 |
| Career Averages | ~22.5 PPG, 7.4 APG, 4.8 RPG (as of 2023–24) |
| Awards | ROTY (2020), MIP (2022), 2× All-Star (2022, 2023) |
| Key Setbacks | 25-game suspension (2023–24), season-ending shoulder injury |
