Memphis Grizzlies: 3 reasons why the Grizzlies can shake up the west

Reason No. 2: Memphis Grizzlies PG Ja Morant is set for a breakout season

Anybody who doesn’t think Ja Morant is going to have a breakout season is either a hater or simply didn’t watch him play at the end of last season. The Grizzly point guard was elite to finish out the year, notably scoring 30.2 points per game in the playoffs — a new Memphis franchise playoff scoring record.

He also broke the Memphis franchise record for points in a game with 47 points in game one against the Utah Jazz. He’s on an upward trajectory, and during the Grizzlies’ first four preseason games, that trajectory continues to grow exponentially.

In three games played, Morant is averaging 22.3 points — a total that is even more impressive when you consider the fact that his first game was cut short after the third quarter. This is a higher scoring total than he saw in either of his first two seasons.

He’s getting these points by playing extremely efficient offense, knocking down 63.4% of his bucket on the year. Granted, his three-point shooting is still in the gutter at 25%, but his shot has looked smooth. His misses aren’t bricks, they’re just barely rimming out.

I can give you all of the stats in the world, but at the end of the day, Morant is passing the eye test with flying colors. The Grizzlies’ starting point guard looks more comfortable than he ever has on the floor as a scorer, passer, and defender.

His continued emergence could create a difficult matchup for teams in the Western Conference.