The Rise of Ja Morant: A Complete Look at the NBA’s Next Superstar

Basketball has seen a plethora of talented players come and go, but every so often, a new player emerges who captures the imagination of the basketball world. Ja Morant is one such player who has taken the NBA by storm since entering the league in 2019. In this article, we will take a deep dive into Ja Morant’s life and career, from his childhood to his rise to stardom in the NBA.

Who is Ja Morant?

Ja Morant is a professional basketball player who currently plays as a point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA. He was born on August 10, 1999, in Dalzell, South Carolina, and grew up in a family of basketball enthusiasts. Morant’s mother was a standout player in college, and his father was also an avid basketball player. Growing up, Morant showed a keen interest in basketball and started playing at a young age.

Early Life and Career

Morant attended Crestwood High School in Sumter, South Carolina, where he played basketball for the school’s team. He quickly became one of the most highly sought-after high school players in the country, earning several awards and accolades for his performances on the court. In 2017, he committed to playing college basketball at Murray State University in Kentucky.

Morant’s college career was nothing short of exceptional. He averaged 12.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game during his freshman year, which earned him the Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Year award. He continued to improve over the next two seasons, and in his final year, he averaged 24.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 10 assists per game, leading Murray State to the NCAA Tournament.

Draft Day and Rookie Year

Morant’s stellar college career put him on the radar of NBA scouts and executives, and he was widely regarded as one of the best prospects in the 2019 NBA Draft. The Memphis Grizzlies selected him with the second overall pick, behind Zion Williamson, and he quickly made his presence felt in the league.

In his rookie year, Morant averaged 17.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game, earning him the NBA Rookie of the Year award. He became the first player in Grizzlies history to win the award and established himself as one of the most exciting young players in the league.

The Rise to Superstardom

Morant’s impressive rookie year was only the beginning of his rise to superstardom. In the 2020-21 season, he continued to improve, averaging 19.1 points, 4 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game. He led the Grizzlies to the playoffs, where they defeated the Golden State Warriors in the play-in tournament to secure a spot in the first round.

In the playoffs, Morant put on a show for basketball fans around the world. In Game 2 of the series against the Utah Jazz, he scored 47 points, the most by a player under the age of 22 in NBA playoff history. He continued to play at a high level throughout the series, averaging 30.2 points per game, but the Grizzlies ultimately fell to the Jazz in five games.

What Makes Ja Morant Special?

Ja Morant’s rise to superstardom can be attributed to several factors. First and foremost, he is an incredibly gifted athlete with exceptional speed and agility. He is also an excellent ball-handler and passer, with a knack for getting his teammates involved in the game.