The Memphis Grizzlies took a big risk by drafting Ja Morant in 2019. The Murray State guard played at a small school and couldn’t shoot the basketball particularly well. He had all of the markings of a great NBA point guard with some undeniable flaws.
But his athleticism was out of this world.
The reason why the Grizzlies had no choice but to pick up Morant with the second overall pick was that his ceiling is so high. He may not be an elite shooter now, but he can improve. Less athletic players will never suddenly have a 42-inch vertical from working hard. Morant had the generational athleticism that only a few NBA players possess.
Two years into his time in the league and he still can’t shoot the ball particularly well. That said, this is seemingly being used as an excuse to discredit Morant and making him out to be a worse player than he really is.
But is Ja Morant a top-5 point guard in the NBA?
The question arose while I was reading a Bleacher Report article by Grant Hughes, where he referred blatantly rejected the notion that the Grizzlies’ point guard could be among the top five at his position in the league. Here’s what he said.
"Zooming out, Morant absolutely should believe he’s elite. Irrational confidence is integral to success in the NBA; anyone who’s made it to the league has every reason to trust they’re exceptional. And just because Morant isn’t a top-five player at his position now, it doesn’t mean he won’t get there eventually. He’s 22, has already guided the Grizzlies to the playoffs, has an unholy level of athleticism and seems well suited for a leadership role."
This post by Hughes came as a response to an interview with HoopsHype, where Ja Morant claimed to be a top-five point guard in the league. Here’s what Morant said the remaining four look like in that interview with Michael Scotto.
"“Steph (Curry). I’m a big Chris Paul fan. I’d say Dame (Lillard) and (Russell) Westbrook. It’s tough. The point guard position is so loaded. Some guys have to get left out.”"
To say that Morant is a top-five point guard in the league would be a bit premature right now. That said, he isn’t as far off as many are making it seem. Unlike a handful of the top point guards in this league, Morant holds a couple of traits that will help him rise above the rest soon. He’s a great leader for his team and he steps up when it matters.
Just look at how he kept his Grizzlies team in a series where they were simply outmatched by the Utah Jazz. He gave the best team in the league by record a run for their money and averaged 30.2 points per game in the process, setting a new franchise record.
The Grizzly point guard also has the aforementioned athleticism that only a few players in the history of the league have possessed. Heck, the argument could be made that he’s the most naturally athletic point guard in the history of the league.
Morant may not be a top-five point guard right now, but he will be soon. His 31% career three-point shooting doesn’t look great, but he has shown signs of improvement. If he even develops an average jump shot, it’ll be game over for the rest of the league.