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Grizzlies’ Ja Morant responds to former All-Star’s ‘MVP’ prediction

By Mark Nilon

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - APRIL 16: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during Game One of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at FedExForum on April 16, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - APRIL 16: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during Game One of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at FedExForum on April 16, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images) /
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Though many believe Marcus Smart will serve as the mentor needed for this youthful Memphis Grizzlies team and, more specifically, Ja Morant, one former All-NBA talent believes that the scrappy guard’s fellow newcomer Derrick Rose will ultimately have a more direct impact on the franchise cornerstone.

Via Twitter, two-time All-Star and current free agent point guard Isaiah Thomas shared his thoughts on the 2010-11 league MVP joining forces with Memphis’ superstar, claiming that his presence will help legitimately put Morant in the conversation for the illustrious individual award upon returning from his 25-game suspension.

“Watch what type of season Ja has next year with D rose connected to his hip all year long. Once he gets off suspension he will have his best season yet. That D rose presence going to have him on some MVP shit… Watch,” Isaiah Thomas tweeted.

In response to this boastful claim by Thomas, the Grizzlies star crafted a promising quote tweet of his own.

“you too loud OG . they gon feel me fasho 🧘🏽‍♂️☮️,” Ja Morant tweeted in response.

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1614439270994919424?s=20

For the second consecutive season, Ja Morant finished 2022-23 off placing within the top-13 in the league’s MVP voting process.

Despite his off-court struggles, his on-court production was nothing but mesmerizing as he went on to finish with stupendous averages of 26.2 points, 8.1 assists, and 5.9 rebounds while shooting 46.6% from deep.

With the veteran presence of Derrick Rose now on the Grizzlies, it seems that both Isaiah Thomas and Morant himself believe that the 23-year-old could be heading toward a career-best campaign.

As for the impact both Rose and Marcus Smart could have on this Memphis team as a whole, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne has noted that the front office “listened to what everyone said which is that you need some leadership and they went out and got two great leaders,” and even went as far as to predict that because of these additions, they will go on to dethrone the Denver Nuggets as Western Conference champions.

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