Memphis Grizzlies: 4 starters we want to see play with Ja Morant in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game
It’s finally official— Ja Morant has been named a starter in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game for his outstanding play so far this season.
The third-year player out of Murray State was a unanimous pick to be a starter, according to voting results from the fans, NBA players and NBA media.
Morant is joined by LeBron James, Nikola Jokic, Andrew Wiggins and Stephen Curry from the Western Conference. Kevin Durant, DeMar DeRozan, Trae Young, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid will represent players from the Eastern Conference.
But, the conference affiliations won’t matter when LeBron James and Kevin Durant draft their teams— they an pick any player regardless of conference.
It’s got us dreaming up some exciting scenarios of who Morant could team up with as a starter in the big game.
Will Memphis Grizzlies player Ja Morant be picked first in the 2022 All-Star Draft?
The most important question on the minds of many Grizzlies fans is could Ja Morant be the first choice for either James or Durant?
It’s hard to say without knowing which player will pick first. Would KD select his old teammate Steph Curry? Would LeBron pick with a recruiting mindset and draft someone he can curry some favor with?
Both Durant and LeBron have publicly praised Morant, showering him with praise after playing against him in the first half of the NBA season.
Kevin Durant
This writer would like to see Ja Morant play for Team Durant, even though reports have stated Durant is unlikely to play in the game. Morant and Durant are cut from the same cloth— both care about hooping and little else. There are few outside distractions for the two players and Durant has an argument to be considered the best player in the world. Giving Morant an opportunity to rub shoulders with someone who knows what it takes to get to the top of the mountain and stay there would be an invaluable lesson to bring back to Memphis.
Nikola Jokic
The reigning NBA MVP will be starting in the ASG and will probably be highly sought for his unparalleled ability to pass the ball. He can accurately make full-court passes or thread the needle in traffic— perfect tools for an ASG. Can you imagine the lobs Jokic would throw Morant? Or the dimes Morant could dish to Jokic?
Trae Young
The idea of a Ja Morant-Trae Young backcourt is a tantalizing prospect. Trae Young can draw out defenders beyond the three-point line and create some wide open lanes for Ja Morant to go-off. Additionally, Morant could drive in the paint, as he loves to do, drawing defenders with him to kick-out to a wide-open Young for a three-ball. As of Jan. 27 Morant has made the second-most shots in the paint in the entire league (115), trailing Jokic by just a few baskets (123). Young would surely love to take some wide-open treys, courtesy of Ja Morant.
Joel Embiid
One of the front-runners for NBA MVP has already gone on record stating he might want to chase after the All-Star Game MVP, too. Embiid is one of the most exciting big men in the entire NBA and would be exciting to watch some pick-and-roll scenarios with Morant. Both players posses quickness, power and finess— Morant just happens to be a foot shorter than the Cameroon native.
light. Must Read. See how many All-Star votes each Memphis Grizzlies player received
The 2022 NBA All-Star Draft is scheduled for Feb. 10 and the ASG is set for Feb. 20, 2022.