Following his first two NBA seasons that resulted in a Rookie of the Year award and leading the Memphis Grizzlies to the playoffs after a three-year absence, Ja Morant broke out in his third year. He averaged career-highs in points, field goal percentage, and three-point percentage, while also making his first NBA All-Star team, 2nd team All-NBA, and leading the Grizzlies past the first round of the playoffs.
What followed was turmoil, spearheaded by off-court troubles and image issues with the NBA that resulted in him being suspended for 33 games over the next two seasons. Following the youthful mistakes was a rash of injuries that kept him off the court more than he and the team would've liked.
Ja Morant is growing before everyone's eyes after seemingly having it all and falling down a peg in four years. The soon-to-be 26-year-old has found the peace that made him successful early in his career.
Happiness is the key to Ja Morant's success
Ja Morant was at his happiest place during his career year of the 2021-22 season as he was taking the league by storm. While his production didn't necessarily fall much in his last couple of seasons, his time on the court dwindled quite a bit due to suspensions and mostly injuries.
He played 187 out of a possible 227 games throughout his first three NBA seasons before only playing 120 out of a possible 246 games his last three seasons. His reactions to the media and body language on the court showed an unhappy Ja Morant throughout the majority of that time period as well.
However, this offseason has proven to be a happy place for Ja Morant as he has been seen in a positive light amid his 'Make Them Watch Tour' with Nike to promote his new signature shoe, the 'Ja 3.' Morant has been seen smiling more and the vibe around him just feels different from the last three off seasons for him.
The Grizzlies have stood beside him every step of the way and spent this summer doubling down on their confidence in him to return to the All-NBA player who finished 7th in the MVP race during the 2021-22 season. Also, their new head coach, Tuomas Iisalo, seems to be focused on catering to Morant's offensive game to bring the best out of the superstar as well.
The Grizzlies and Morant were at their best when others doubted them, and now they find themselves in that position again following their offseason moves that included them trading Desmond Bane. Ja Morant was set to be the face of the NBA at one point, and now feels like he is in the mental space to return to the player that looked like a top 10 player again.