Grizzlies star Ja Morant continues to garner early MVP buzz

After shattering expectations in 2022, Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies have managed to carry that momentum into this season. Through their first four games, they sit with an impressive record of 3-1.

Part of why Memphis has been able to climb up the NBA hierarchy so fast is the play of their star player. Morant took a massive step forward this season and continues to inch closer toward superstardom.

Albeit a small sample size, the former No. 2 pick is off to an incredible start to the year. Currently, he is averaging 35.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, and 7.0 APG. In the Grizzlies’ most recent win over the Brooklyn Nets, the backcourt was a part of history as they both scored 38 points apiece.

Before their matchup with Memphis, Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox was asked his thoughts about Morant. He went on to say he feels the Grizzlies star should be the frontrunner to win MVP right now.

"“He’s probably the frontrunner for the MVP right now, so you’re getting compared to someone like that,” Fox said. “At the end of the day, you have to win games and that’s pretty much all I’m worried about. He’s done that, been to the playoffs twice in his young career, so hats off to that, and that’s somewhere I’m trying to get this organization.”"

Can Ja Morant make a legitimate run at MVP this season?

After securing an All-NBA nomination and the Most Improved Player award, securing an MVP trophy is the next step for Ja Morant. The question is if he can make a real case to be crowned the league’s most valuable player this season.

At 23-years-old, Morant would be one of the youngest MVPs in history. He’d be following a similar path as Derrick Rose, a player he just so happens to draw comparisons to.

For something like this to happen, multiple things would have to play out in his favor. For starters, Morant will need to at least maintain the level of production he had last season. On top of that, the Grizzlies have to keep their top spot in the Western Conference.

Given how young he is, Morant will be fighting an uphill battle trying to secure MVP. However, if he continues to play at a superstar level and carry Memphis, he will certainly be in the conversation.