Ja Morant is one of the most exciting young players in the NBA, known for his electrifying athleticism and impressive all-around skills. As a point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, Morant has quickly become a fan favorite and a key contributor to his team's success. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Ja Morant's game log and dive into his stats to gain a better understanding of his strengths and weaknesses.
Ja Morant's Rise to Prominence
Before we dive into Morant's game log, let's take a brief look at his background and rise to prominence. Morant was born in Dalzell, South Carolina, and grew up playing basketball in his backyard with his father, Tee Morant. He eventually earned a scholarship to play for Murray State University, where he quickly became one of the top players in the Ohio Valley Conference.
After a standout sophomore season, Morant declared for the 2019 NBA draft and was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the second overall pick. As a rookie, Morant averaged 17.8 points and 7.3 assists per game, earning him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
Ja Morant's Game Log: A Statistical Breakdown
Now that we've covered Morant's background, let's take a closer look at his game log and stats. Here are some key takeaways from his time in the NBA:
- Points per game: Morant has consistently averaged over 18 points per game throughout his career, with a high of 19.1 points per game in the 2020-2021 season.
- Assists per game: Morant is an exceptional playmaker, averaging over 7 assists per game throughout his career. He had a career-high 7.4 assists per game in the 2020-2021 season.
- Shooting percentages: Morant has struggled with his shooting at times, but he has shown improvement in recent seasons. He shot a career-high 47.5% from the field in the 2020-2021 season, and 30.1% from three-point range.
- Turnovers: Morant has had issues with turnovers throughout his career, averaging over 3 turnovers per game. However, he has shown improvement in this area, with a career-low 2.7 turnovers per game in the 2020-2021 season.
Ja Morant's Strengths
So what are some of Ja Morant's key strengths? Here are a few areas where he excels:
- Athleticism: Morant is one of the most athletic players in the NBA, with the ability to finish at the rim and make highlight-reel plays.
- Playmaking: Morant is an exceptional playmaker, with the ability to create for himself and others.
- Speed and agility: Morant's speed and agility allow him to stay in front of defenders and make quick cuts to the basket.
Ja Morant's Weaknesses
While Morant is an incredibly talented player, he does have some areas where he needs to improve. Here are a few weaknesses:
- Shooting: Morant has struggled with his shooting at times, particularly from three-point range.
- Turnovers: Morant has had issues with turnovers throughout his career, which can be a major liability for a point guard.
- Defense: While Morant has shown improvement on defense, he still struggles to stay in front of quicker guards and can be prone to mental lapses.
Ja Morant's Career Highlights
Despite his weaknesses, Ja Morant has had a number of impressive moments throughout his career. Here are a few of his most notable highlights:
- 35-point game against the Lakers: In his rookie season, Morant scored a career-high 35 points against the Los Angeles Lakers, including 7 rebounds and 6 assists.
- Triple-double against the Warriors: In the 2020-2021 season, Morant recorded his first career triple-double against the Golden State Warriors, with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.
- NBA All-Star Game selection: In the 2020-2021 season, Morant was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game, where he scored 8 points and dished out 3 assists.
What's Next for Ja Morant?
So what's next for Ja Morant? Here are a few things to watch for in the future:
- Contract extension: Morant is eligible for a contract extension in the 2023 offseason, and is likely to receive a max deal from the Grizzlies.
- Leadership role: As Morant continues to grow and develop, he is likely to take on a larger leadership role with the Grizzlies, potentially becoming the team's franchise cornerstone.
- Playoff success: Morant has already shown the ability to perform in big games, and will look to lead the Grizzlies to playoff success in the future.
Conclusion
Ja Morant is one of the most exciting young players in the NBA, with a rare combination of athleticism, playmaking ability, and scoring prowess. While he still has areas where he needs to improve, Morant has already shown the ability to dominate games and lead his team to success. As he continues to grow and develop, it will be exciting to see what the future holds for this talented young point guard.
What do you think about Ja Morant's game? Do you think he has what it takes to become a franchise cornerstone in the NBA? Let us know in the comments!
What is Ja Morant's playing style?
+Ja Morant is a point guard known for his athleticism, playmaking ability, and scoring prowess. He is a dynamic player who can finish at the rim, create for himself and others, and make highlight-reel plays.
What are some of Ja Morant's strengths and weaknesses?
+Some of Ja Morant's strengths include his athleticism, playmaking ability, and speed and agility. However, he also has some weaknesses, including his shooting, turnovers, and defense.
What is Ja Morant's contract status?
+Ja Morant is eligible for a contract extension in the 2023 offseason, and is likely to receive a max deal from the Memphis Grizzlies.