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Move over, Luka! Grizzlies star Ja Morant takes rightful crown in new ranking

By Kevin McCormick

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 31: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies celebrates during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 31, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 31: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies celebrates during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 31, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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There are multiple reasons why the Memphis Grizzlies burst on the scene in a big way last year, but the play of Ja Morant sits at the top of the list. In just his third season, the former No. 2 overall pick cemented himself as one of the top point guards in the league.

While he played in a career-low 57 games, Morant still managed to have his best season to date in 2022. He posted his highest points (27.4), rebounds (5.7), and steals (1.2) per game averages while dishing nearly seven assists a night. This stellar play landed him on an All-NBA team and the Most Improved Player award.

Every year, the people at The Step Back put out a top 25-under-25 list for the rising stars in the NBA. Following an impressive campaign in 2022, Morant finds himself at the top of the list heading into this season.

"For this season, Ja Morant has been chosen as the very best NBA player under the age of 25 by the team here at The Step Back. Sure, there are others that could say they belong at the top (Luka Doncic, perhaps, has the loudest argument) but none of them are the type of player that Ja Morant is. He is one of one. He is “him”. The future of not just the league, but basketball itself."

Does Ja Morant deserve the top spot of the 25-under-25 ranking?

Most might argue that Luka Doncic should be at the top of the list, but Morant has a strong case of his own. There is no denying that the 22-year-old has become one of the most loved stars in the game today.

In today’s social media age, eye-pooping highlights reign supreme. With his elite-level athleticism, the Grizzlies star always has fans on the edge of their seat. On any given night, he can break out a menacing poster dunk or go soaring through the air for a chase-down block. To put it simply, few young stars today are must-watch television like Morant.

Next. Ja Morant shouldn't be No. 1 in NBA 25 under 25. dark

Between his high level of play and fun-loving personality, Morant has become a star that fans easily gravitate towards. He will have to continue inching towards superstardom if he wants to keep the top spot, but his current placement is more than deserving.

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