Memphis Grizzlies: How Potential NBA Draft Targets Fared In The First Weekend Of The NCAA Tournament
By Chris Kern
Ja Morant
Ja Morant has risen up draft boards all season long and he put on a show during the NCAA Tournament. With how important point guard play is today, there are teams that should consider taking him with the #1 pick. Not saying he should go #1, but there certainly are teams who should at the very least think about it.
His performance in the blowout win over Marquette was fantastic as he finished with 17 points, 16 assists, and 11 rebounds. His full arsenal was on display in that game and anybody who watched that game was very impressed with his play.
That was the first triple-double in the NCAA Tournament since Draymond Green got one in 2012 during his time at Michigan State. Performances like that are exactly what fans are excited about his NBA future. He should be able to fill up the stat sheet with many triple-doubles at the next level.
He had a pretty good game statistically speaking, but their season ended in a blowout loss to Florida State, 57-88. His talent was still on full display though as he finished with 28 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and a block.
The way he impacted the game was impressive, but he really struggled against the Florida State length and athleticism. He still had some crazy passes and highlight-worthy drives to the basket, but it was much more difficult than it normally has been for him. He did shoot the ball well from three-point range though as he went 5-6 from deep despite that being considered the weakness of his offensive game.
The NBA scouts have been impressed with him all season and they certainly will be impressed by his play this week. If the Grizzlies somehow get a top three pick in this year’s NBA Draft he should be at the top of their list of prospects, especially if they do decide they want to trade away Mike Conley.